Earlier this year, when the economy was first plunging into turmoil, the PLRG team was busy ignoring the crashing markets and meeting with local businesses to plan a fashion show. That’s about the time we met Megan Richards. In addition to her running her own PR company, MR Public Relations, Megan was tooling with the idea of starting the “Stimulus Social Club,” a way for people to “give back while throwing down.” 

Richards, along with a host of other talented Chicago women, wanted to create a monthly event that would not only stimulate the economy, but also stimulate interest and raise money for those who are truly in need. Each month they choose a different, top-notch venue (past hosts include Rockit, Trader Vics and Zella’s) and for a $10 donation you get your first drink and apps! To be honest, chances are, you’ll stay for one or two more, which is the “stimulating the economy” part. But, best of all, the $10 goes to charity (the last donation went to The Valentine’s Boys and Girls Club) and the gals from SSC always max out the venue (the attendance at Zella’s was 400+).

Keep an eye out for the next SSC event, July 1 at Roof at The Wit Hotel, benefitting The CINN Foundation. Oh, and it’s also a great way to meet people and netowrk with the scene being dominated by young professionals.

• Fun and Cocktails- Check
• Hot Spot and Hot Guys- Check
• Doing It All for a Good Cause- Check

If you still have holiday shopping to do, or if you even attempted to hit up the stores this past weekend, you know just how ridiculous it is to try to fight the crowds and trudge through the snow. You’d be much better off stopping by Beta Boutique this Thursday evening where you can get all your holiday shopping done in one place!

From 6:30pm to 9pm Beta Boutique will be a PLRG holiday paradise with lots of giftable items and of course their famous discounted designer clothing (they even have stuff for guys). For those of you who don’t know about Beta, here’s the scoop from their website:

Beta Boutique is the ultimate in-the-know fashion destination devoted to Chicago’s savviest shoppers. As Chicago’s first and only permanent sample sale, Beta Boutique boasts over 1700 square feet of fantastically designed floor space dedicated to the most select fashion-forward contemporary women’s samples and overstock from favorite local, domestic and international labels at incredible, jaw-dropping 40 - 90% off discounted prices.

In addition to their already fabulously discounted prices, PLRG shoppers will receive $10 off purchases of $50 or more and $20 off purchases of $100 or more the night of the event. Guests will also enjoy complimentary champagne, wine and other treats while listening to our favorite holiday tunes.

In exchange for all the holiday cheer we are asking for donations of scarves, gloves, board games or infant toys for the Metro Achievement Center for Girls (in lieu of an item, a $15 donation can be made). The Metro Achievement is a wonderful center to support and has great opportunities for PoorLittleRichGirls to volunteer their time and energy(click here for more info on volunteering). According to their website, the Metro Achievment Center is:

a supplementary education center which promotes the personal and educational development of Chicago’s inner-city girls from 4th through 12th grades, with the collaboration of parents, teachers and volunteers. Metro’s programs instill a sense of personal worth by developing students’ talents, character and spirit of service, and by strengthening academic and work habits. Metro prepares its students so they can complete their education and pursue a profession of their choice.

In true PLRG style we’ll also be holding a raffle that night for some really sweet prizes. We’ve got a Creed Gift package (a $315 value), a MOR Gift package (a $150 value), and a package including certificates good towards Celebrity Skin Couture Air Tan and Chic Gems, as well as a Chic Gems floating pearl necklace (package is a $125 value).

This is a private event, so space is limited. To make sure you and your friends get your spot, send an email to rsvp@poorlittlerichgirls.com.