Panty Schmooze 2003

The event was scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. sharp. The volunteers had worked very hard all day to ensure that the evening would be the success they had dreamed of. The sound system was in place, the decorations were hung, the donations received during the prior Saturday’s clothing drive were sorted and packed, the corporate donations were on display, the “goodie bags” were ready for the first 100 people to come through the doors, the performers had arrived, the sound checks were complete- everything was in place. This was a whole new venture for all of the “Schmoozers”. None of them had ever done anything remotely like this before. The word was out about the event and all the volunteers hoped that people would show up….and they did!

Over 250 guests flocked to the Indian Motorcycle Club to attend the first annual Panty Schmooze in support of Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke. Admission to the event was $20 or 3 pairs of new underwear.

Hosted by singer Tara McLean, the evening included performances by Julie Crochetiere of Sugar Jones, singer/songwriter True Daley, and Toronto artists Half Full. Tara also performed.

As the guests arrived, the panties that were received for admittance were piled onto a nearby pool table. By 6:00 p.m. the table was piled high.

The evening generated over $3,600 in cash and over 1,200 pairs of new underwear were collected. Other donations included over 200 boxes of gently used clothing and household goods, DVDs, cases of shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, moisturizer, baby food, coffee, diapers, new children’s shoes, and slippers, as well as 20 large pizzas and a 27″ television and a DVD Dream System for the shelters common room.

Attendees were eligible to win over $4,000 worth of door prizes, including a complete cell phone package, spa packages, concert tickets, gift certificates and art – all donated by the community to support the event.

By the end of the evening people were asking about next year. Yes, there would be a next year.

Image Gallery of the Event Below