Women’s Empowerment through Cape Area Networking (WE CAN) is an organization that enables Cape Cod women with unique services that encourage opportunity, self-sufficiency, and stability. Any transitional situation in which a woman needs someone to guide her in the right direction is provided.
Sixteen years ago, in an effort to help support its many important and inspiring programs, WE CAN launched its annual fundraiser – Girls Night Out – which has been a tremendous success in raising money and in bringing women together to mingle, network and enjoy an evening out.
The 16th annual Girls Night Out event will take place Wednesday, March 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Puritan Cape Cod, at 408 Main Street, in Hyannis. It will be a fun-filled night in which to shop, socialize and benefit from the experience and knowledge of other women on the Cape.
Hundreds of women (and some men, as well!) will celebrate together with dozens of local vendors and women-owned businesses. There will be food, drink, prize giveaways and more. Attendees will get 10 percent off their purchases at Puritan, while Puritan donates another 10 percent of every purchase to WE CAN.
Sponsored by Cape Cod Broadcasting Media, and hosted once more by Rick and Jim Penn at Puritan Cape Cod, the event is one that is always a resounding success, and heavily attended.
“Girls Night Out is a fun-filled evening to benefit WE CAN, and it’s natural and organic for CCB Media and Puritan Cape Cod to co-sponsor and celebrate this memorable event,” said CCB Media owner Greg Bone. “The Penn family and Puritan Cape Cod are celebrating 100 years of serving and giving back to Cape Cod. It’s a significant and defining milestone of their heritage position in Cape Cod history.”
In addition to its many incredible programs, WE CAN offers an opportunity to women who are trying to launch their own business, called GROW (Getting Results with Others’ Wisdom). This program is a facilitated peer-mentoring forum to empower women with the support and tools they need to be successful in growing their business. Two women who have completed the GROW program will be present at the Girls Night Out event, representing their businesses and products.
Lorrie McDaniel, owner of Perfectly Portioned Cape Cod, is one of those women. “GROW was exactly what I needed to kick off my business,” she said. “I started my business up almost by accident, and GROW has really helped me kick it up a level.” In return, she said, she’s given back by donating some items to WE CAN events and will join in on Girls Night Out.
Mandi Fedele, owner of Stage Stop Candy in Dennisport, credits GROW in helping her focus on her business. “When I moved to Cape Cod and purchased my business, I didn’t know many people locally, which felt very overwhelming,” she said. “GROW introduced me to several local and like-minded business owners. Through their feedback, wisdom, unique perspectives and ideas, I’ve been able to develop and further my vision of what my business is and how I can make it better. GROW has also helped me focus on creating a two-year business plan. I now have a clearer understanding of who my target customers are, how to reach them, and how to plan for the seasonality that Cape Cod businesses often face.”
These women, and so many others, have benefited from the programs, seminars and mentorships WE CAN provides. Girls Night Out is one event that reflects the combined strength of women in the community to raise themselves up and encourage other women to do the same. GROW is a six-month program that empowers women business owners with tools, accountability, wisdom and an experienced facilitator to GROW their businesses. Beginning the fall of 2019 and winter of 2020 groups, will be offered on the Upper Cape, Mid-Cape and Lower Cape.
If you’d like to learn more about WE CAN, or if you’re interested in attending Girls Night Out, don’t wait! Those who wish to attend can RSVP online at puritancapecod.com/puritan-events/girls-night-out/.
About Ann Luongo
