What could be better than kicking back with your best girlfriends at the end of the Mod? Helping out a good cause in the process, of course!  So, when the Georgetown Women in Business (GWiB) board heard that the Martinis & Manicures Fundraiser was scheduled for the Friday after final exams, we knew we had to get involved.

As with most non-profits, fundraising is a central and a constant challenge, especially in the currently depressed economy.  Fortunately for Coaching for College, local providers stepped up to contribute the necessary services and venue to make this particular event happen.  Two beauticians from the neighborhood's Wright Touch Traveling Spa donated manicuring services to Coaching for College. They carefully decorated the nails of Raspberry Tartini-sipping patrons while chatting amicably throughout the Event.  Be Bar, an intimate lounge with an upscale but un-pretentious décor, not only provided the venue and bartending services for the fundraiser, but also offered ½ price drinks and donated 10% of bar purchases to Coaching for College. 

A healthy number of Hoyas turned out for the fundraiser. The MSB contingent was almost evenly split between students in the Full-Time and Evening Program - a welcome if somewhat rare occurrence that both groups agreed GWiB should strive to replicate for future events.  GWiB paid for its members to receive the "Martini & Manicure" combo.  Several GWiB members chose to forgo the usual safe (and often bland) hues appropriate for internship interview season. Instead, we opted to start spring break early with audacious colors we dubbed "Harlot Red" and "Flirty Purple." 

Be Bar's relaxing ambiance enticed most GWiB members to stay long after their newly dolled-up nails had hardened.  The eclectic interior included plush couches and futuristic love seats reminiscent of the Korova Milk Bar in "A Clockwork Orange," white billowy curtains, gem-decorated chandeliers, and even a mounted deer head. A backdrop of pop music by artists like Rihanna and Britney and matching videos projected on the wall added to the laid-back vibe and played softly enough to encourage conversations. 

The Martinis & Manicures Event is a perfect example of why GWiB is so unique among the other MSB clubs.  While GWiB offers educational, professional development, mentoring and formal networking opportunities, it also helps members establish a different kind of network: a support network of peers with whom you can just relax and be yourself.  In view of that goal, the Martinis & Manicures Event was a smashing success. 

            The fundraiser was also a success for College for College, who reported that the Martinis & Manicures Event raised $900 and was attended by 75 people.