Women across the Mobile area have a chance to spend an evening pampering themselves while supporting a cause that has helped thousands of local families. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” an annual ladies’ night fundraiser, returns to the Alabama Cruise Terminal on Thursday, September 18, running from 5:30 to 9 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Mobile.
The event is open only to women 21 and older and blends a night out with a charitable purpose. Attendees can expect manicure stations, makeover sessions and pop-up shopping from area vendors, along with heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by chefs and restaurants from around the region. McTini’s, a recurring feature of the evening, gives guests the chance to sample specialty cocktails as part of the festivities.
One of the more popular draws each year is the “Purse-onalities” table, where designer-style purses are sold for either $25 or $50 apiece. Each purse comes stuffed with gifts and gift cards from local businesses and restaurants worth at least $25, meaning buyers walk away with a bag of surprises in addition to the purse itself. Organizers note the purses tend to sell quickly, so guests hoping to snag one are encouraged to arrive early once doors open.
Tickets for the evening are priced at $50 in advance and $60 at the door, with the price difference meant to encourage early sign-ups. Wind Creek Casino and Airbus are among this year’s sponsors helping underwrite the event, allowing more of the ticket revenue and purse sales to flow directly to the Ronald McDonald House’s mission.
That mission has a long track record in the Mobile area. The Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving medical treatment at area hospitals, sparing them the added burden of hotel costs and long commutes during already stressful times. Organizers point out that the Mobile chapter has served more than 5,300 families since it opened its doors, a number that continues to grow with each fundraiser like this one.
Beyond the shopping and socializing, organizers say the event is meant to give the community an easy, enjoyable way to give back. A single ticket purchase helps cover essentials like lodging, meals and support services for families navigating a child’s hospital stay, turning what amounts to a fun night out into a meaningful contribution for local families dealing with a medical crisis.
Anyone interested in attending or learning more about how the Ronald McDonald House supports Mobile-area families can reach out to the local chapter directly for ticket details and additional information ahead of the September 18 event.