It’s an opportunity to shop til you drop and not feel guilty afterwards.

Friday, November 12, 1999

It’s an opportunity to shop til you drop and not feel guilty afterwards.

Younkers Austin’s annual Charity Night is Sunday at OakPark Mall Shopping Center.

From 6-9 p.m. Sunday, shoppers will receive a 25 percent discount on every regular and sale price item.

Other discounts will be made on small electrics, home healthcare, furniture, furniture accessories and haircare products.

There will be entertainment, activities of children and refreshments.

The discounts are valid only during Charity Night and there are some manufacturers’ exclusions.

Admission is by $5 ticket only and tickets may be purchased form individual charity representatives or at the Younkers store in OakPark Mall prior to Sunday night’s events.

Not only is it an opportunity to begin the Christmas holiday shopping season, but it will help 14 different charities.

Last year’s participating charities shared over $6,000 from the 1998 Charity Night. This year, Michelle Swenson, store manager, and Shelly Kozak, assistant store manger, expect to top last year’s generosity by both shoppers and Younkers Austin.

New charities this year include Southland Music Boosters, Ice 2K Building Fund (Austin Youth Hockey Association and Riverside Figure Skating Club) and Austin Packer Backer Booster Club.

Other charities benefiting from Charity Night include Drug Abuse Resistance Education, American Cancer Society, Mower County Humane Society, United Way of Mower County, Inc., Historic Paramount Theatre, Relay For Life, New Terp Youth Center, Habitat For Humanity -Freeborn and Mower counties, Southland Music Boosters Club and Arc Mower County.

"It’s a great way for us to help local charities and give back to the community," said Swenson.

"Also," said Kozak, "it’s a great kickoff to the holiday shopping season."

According to Swenson and Kozak, Charity Night is popular for the store’s sales associates. "They like to dress up in prom dresses and suits and ties," said Swenson. "It’s so popular with the associates, that they want to work that night," said Kozak.

Tracy McCray, KROC radio personality, will serve as mistress of ceremonies and Tom Bridges and Soundtronics Productions will provide the sound for the Brian Christianson Band, beginning 6 p.m. Sunday.

Then, Second Edition will perform music from the 1930s and 40s at 6:30 p.m. followed by Spiritually Motivated at 7 p.m. The St. Augustine Catholic Church singers will perform spiritual songs accompanied by Jan Muzik.

The Northwestern Singers take over at 7:30 p.m. Sunday offering their inimitable style of music from radio and musicals plus pop tunes.

Music by Jan Muzik takes the spotlight at 8 p.m. Sunday with soloists Brian Bawek, Mike Veldman and Dr. Faye Bollingberg.

"We are really fortunate because we enjoy such tremendous support from the community for this event. It’s heartwarming," said Swenson.

The contributors include Applebee’s Neighborhood Grille and Bar, Hardee’s, Pepsi Cola, Lu’s Country Store, Godfather’s Pizza Restaurant, Jim’s SuperValu, HyVee Food Store, Zeppole’s Pizza and Pasta, Perkins Family Restaurant, Holiday Inn of Austin, Soundtronics Production and Balloons of Joy.

For more information about Charity Night, visit Younkers Austin in OakPark Mall or call 437-4585.