It’s amazing what women can do when they put their heads together. Vickie Thomas (Magnolia Vacations) and Tammy Doering (“Totally Pamper Me!” Natural Image Boutique) are business associates in the local BNI Chapter — Referral Builders Network. They’re always looking for ways to help their businesses grow, create public awareness about great causes and help our community by giving back any way they possibly can.  

Their idea was to create a fun function that would get women and local businesses involved, as well as help raise money for community nonprofit organizations (501c3s ) that work solely on volunteer efforts.

For the “fun” part, they knew that most women love fashion, makeup, beautiful jewelry, traveling and being involved in something that would help others.

In this case, the help will benefit three of this area’s animal welfare organizations: S.A.V.E. (Saving Animals Volunteer Efforts), Semper Fi Animal Rescue and Calhoun County Humane Society (not to be confused with the Calhoun County Animal Control Center.)

The “Flip Flops to Formal Wear” fashion show and benefit will be held from noon-4 p.m. Saturday at the Anniston Museum of Natural History. The Dress Barn and Maurice’s will provide the fashion wear. Too Nice to Slice bakery and Sandbagin’ at Cane Creek will provide the food.

Vickie’s travel and cruise expertise will come into play, giving guests fabulous ideas for what to pack for a cruise. Pieces from Tammy’s company’s line of natural gemstone and sterling silver jewelry will be featured on several of the models.

 The fashion show — which will feature local models — is free to the public.

The benefit part of the event is a $500 raffle. Tickets are $5 each, and the winner will receive a choice of a $500 travel voucher or $500 cash. You may purchase tickets from event sponsors or at the fashion show. You do not have to be present to win. All monies collected will be divided equally among the three chosen charities.

Doors will open at noon Saturday for refreshments and door prize registration. The fashion show starts at 1 p.m.

While the event does not have an admission charge, it will be limited to only 150 attendees. You must RSVP by calling Magnolia Vacations (256-473-0750), Totally Pamper Me (256-236-3311) or via the event page on Facebook.

For more information about S.A.V.E., visit www.alsave.org; Semper Fi Resue, www.semperfirescue.com; The Animal Shelter of Calhoun County, www.theanimalshelter.net.

To share your news with Small Talk, contact Annette Maddox at starsmalltalk@yahoo.com.

Save the Date

Girls Night Out: Girl Power! (notice a theme this week?) is a fun and empowering evening for women only, at the Berman Museum on March 22. Ladies, it’s time to claim your power, own your attitude and reveal the strong, self-reliant, fierce woman that you know you are! The event is in conjunction with the exhibit “Out of the Vault: Selections from the Illustrated History of Weaponry,” opening March 3 at the Berman.

The evening will include drinks, hors d’oeuvres, self-defense and safety tips from Anniston City Police officers, a chance to buy “women-centric” personal defense and sporting items, and a tour of the exhibit, focusing on historic weapons made specifically for women.

Oh, and target practice on the lawn with paintball guns!

Call your best gal-pals and reserve your spots today. Tickets are $20 for Berman members, $25 for non-members. Must be 21 to attend; IDs required. Call 256-237-6766, ext. 114 or 116, to register or for more information.