Health education focus of Mercy Ladies’ Night Out

Everything a girl could want – jewelry, shoes, makeup, relaxation with a massage, spirits, and food – were all under one roof at the Mercy second annual Ladies' Night Out at the Women's Center.

The 2nd annual Ladies' Night Out was held at Mercy in Fort Smith on Thursday (April 11) with around 400 women showing up to take part in free life-saving health screenings and education combined with fun and pampering.

The most important part of this event is to educate women about staying healthy and to get annual health screenings, according to event organizers.

In the spirit of Kool and the Gang's 1970's hit "Ladies' Night," there was disco dancing demonstrations by Momentum Dance Concepts including free lessons from Marcus Coker.

"Mercy had decided to do this event in a way to pamper ladies in the community and bring in local vendors. Women work so hard taking care of family that they rarely take care of themselves and deserve some special treatment,” said Samantha Cole, with Mercy community benefits.

Guests were able to visit with health vendors including skin care, complete their annual mammogram screening (registering ahead of time was necessary and completely booked), blood screening, bone density screening, facials, chair massages, indulging in fruit, cheese, wine and chocolate, and shopping.

"This is a way to reach out to the community and help keeping women aware of staying healthy,” said Laura Keep, with Mercy public relations. “This event was meant for the screenings to be fun. Women dread mammograms and sometimes overlook it. They can come to this event and get it done free and have fun and just relax."

Local vendors set up booths just inside the Women's Center. Vendors donated their time to come to this event and had to pay no fee, other than donate a prize.

Debra Burcham and daughter Kaitlyn came to partake in all the free events, especially the chair massage.

"It was nice that Mercy offered free mammograms and other screenings. I came to get a free massage because I've never had one. The staff is offering a lot of helpful information too,” Debra said.

The Brow Bar was the most popular of the vendors present. Even though the party didn't officially start until 5:30, a line was already forming at 5 o'clock at the Brow Bar station.

Lorelei Wright, owner of Brow Bar, donated her time.

"I have to give back, it's not an option for me,” Wright said. “Lots of my close friends and customers have been either diagnosed with or lost to cancer. It's a passion of mine to give back. I like to make people look and feel good about themselves.”

She along with some friends are putting together a "Hottie Guy Calendar" with all proceeds to be given to the Cancer Support House. The unveiling of the calendar will be June 14 at the Movie Lounge.