Girls Day Out to Benefit Local Elementary Schools

Shops are opening, so it’s time to grab those Hall Passes and wallets: Girls Day Out in Downers Grove is officially underway.

The event, which will benefit local schools by donating proceeds from local store purchases to participating elementary schools’ PTOs, PTAs and HSAs, will take place all day to day and into the evening as long as stores are still open.

Participating elementary schools include Avery Coonley (Downers Grove District 58), Elizabeth Ide (District 66) and St. Joseph School in Downers Grove.

How it works:

1. Print and fill out a Hall Pass and bring it with you downtown today.
2. When you make your first purchase, turn your Hall Pass into the store clerk helping you. The store will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from that purchase to the schools.
3. Money from proceeds is divided equally amongst the schools.
4. The school that has the best "attendance" — meaning, collects the most Hall Passes — will receive an extra $250 donation from the Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporation.
5. The schools in 2nd and 3rd place will each receive $100 gift certificates for downtown Downers Grove.

Here’s a list of participating stores and their specials:

• Peak Running 945 Burlington Ave. Open 10am-6:30pm. Stop in and talk with a coach from Intent. We will be offering a fun a class in the store as well! Contact us for times.
• Style Studio 1015 Curtiss St. Receive a free napkin caddy from Nora Fleming with a $100.00 purchase. Take 20% off any one item of your choice (excludes Brighton, Nora Fleming). Open until 9 p.m.
• Avec Panache 1010 Curtiss St. Stop in and see our beautiful fall items and enjoy our specials.
• Charlie & Grace 937A Curtiss St. Partnering with Stella Dot for an evening of pretty things! The shop will be open 'til 9 p.m. and offering some pretty great discounts throughout the store.
• 221 Creations 1008 Curtiss St. In stock items 20% off. No discount on custom orders. Open until 8 p.m.
• Evelyn Jane Boutique 1008 Curtiss St. Join us for some fabulous fall shopping and 20% off any full-price purchase. Every customer that spends over $100 (after the 20% discount) will receive a $10 gift card that can be used 11/1-12/23. Open until 8:30pm.
• Heritage House Florist 5109 Main St. Stop in to take advantage our sale! Open until 5 p.m.
• Anderson’s Bookshop 5112 Main St. We are hosting 2 presentations for participants: “Books Fall Open You Fall In –What’s New for Readers of All Ages.” 1st Session at 11 a.m. 2nd at 4 p.m. RSVP to 630-963-2665.
• Jeans and a Cute Top Shop 5116 Main St. 20% off the entire store. Open until 9 p.m.!
• Dariusz Jewelers 5121 Main St. Stop in for a free ring cleaning and inspection!
• Briosa Boutique 5121 Main St. 20% off your purchase. Some exclusions apply.
• Gatto’s Restaurant and Bar 5123 Main St. $5.00 cosmos & $5.00 house wines as well as ½ price apps.
• Wells Street Popcorn 5124 Main St. $1.00 Off Any Size Bag of Popcorn as well as 15% Off Any Tin Purchase.
• She’s Boutique 5131 Main St. Stop in and check out our great fall merchandise and enjoy our sale!
• Jolie Boutique 5133 Main St. 20% Off the Entire Boutique. Includes the Thymes Frasier Fir, Gingerbread and Simmering Cider Collections. Free Candle with Purchase for the First 40 customers (a $7.95 value). 50% off Patricia Locke Jewelry. Open until 9 p.m.
• My Special Toy Store 5137 Main St. We are receiving shipments almost daily getting ready for the holidays. Visit us to see what is new.
• Fair Game 5147 Main St. Stop in and check out variety of games for all ages and interests.
• Cellar Door 5150 Main St. Stop in and enjoy our drink special, all day long!

For more information, stop by the Downtown Downers Grove website.

Now, get shopping!