Putting a New Spin on Christmas Shopping in Niagara
Four Niagara business women already know what they want for Christmas this year. And it won't fit under the tree.
September 24, 2007 - Welland, Ontario
They've joined forces to create a wish list that includes supporting four of the region's worthy causes with public awareness and help them bring awareness and raise funds for them. At the same time they want to give small businesses a unique sales and marketing opportunity during the most competitive time of year.
The four women, Jane Gadsby of Beamsville, Stephanie Freeman of Stevensville and Donna Panetta and Carrie Matthews- Aiello, both of Welland, are former colleagues and friends who met during their careers as managers of Niagara area chambers of commerce. A simple social night out in January of 2006 brought together this unique Christmas shopping experience for Niagara. Under the guise PowerFour Productions, the four together to develop this incredible one-day shopping event. Last year, the first Wrap It Up! Niagara's Only Christmas Shopping Extravaganza exceeded all expectations drawing 80 vendors and more than 800 shoppers to Four Points by Sheraton in Thorold, along with a priceless amount of publicity and fund raising dollars for three regional not-for-profit and charitable organizations.
The women have been meeting diligently and consistently since February of this year to organise the second annual Wrap It Up! There have been a few minor adjustments, but most important is they've got one more needy Niagara stocking to stuff this year bringing the number of beneficiaries of the event to four. They are Alzheimer Society of Niagara, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fort Erie and South Niagara, Community Living Welland-Pelham and Niagara West Community Hospice.
The event beneficiaries are more like partners of the event. Each has agreed to take an active role by selling tickets to the show, helping with promotion and providing a team of volunteers the day of. For their efforts, each organization receives a portion of the ticket sales and a vendor placement in the event to promote their services and raise additional funds.
"It's a win-win situation for all involved in the event!" said Carrie Matthews- Aiello, sales and marketing manager and co-owner of PowerFour Productions.
But the key to the event's success comes with having the right quality and quantity of vendors. Wrap It Up! features a maximum of five of one type of vendor. "This gives our shoppers more variety in the types of items to choose from," said Aiello. "It also provides our vendors with a greater amount of exclusivity."
The event is being held again at the Thorold Sheraton on Dec. 9 from 10 am to 6 pm. The day will feature numerous vendors with a vast array of products and services perfect for the gift-giving season. Shoppers will also enjoy free seasonal treats and the chance to win one of a bevy of door prizes donated by the vendors. Shoppers can also have their photo taken with Niagara's Sexiest Santa with proceeds going to the event's beneficiaries. The Second Annual Search for Niagara's Sexiest Santa finalist event is slated for Saturday Nov. 10th. at The Moose & Goose in Thorold and Niagara is invited for a sneak peak at the finalists.
Vendors with unique wares can learn more about participating in Wrap It Up! by visiting www.powerfourproductions.com. Shoppers can also visit the website to view the list of Wrap It Up! vendors and purchase advance admission tickets for $5.00. Advance ticket holders will be entered into a draw for a Niagara Romance Package valued at over $500.00. Tickets at the door are $8.00. The website also has registration information for prospective Sexy Santa candidates @ www.PowerFourProductions.com
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Media contact: Carrie Matthews- Aiello
knowit@niagara.com
905-735-9798
