Day of pampering benefits women in need

IF YOU GOWhat: Spoil Me women's expo.When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. SundayWhere: Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center, 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton, Ga.Admission: $10 before Sunday, $15 at door; $20 special services ticket before Sunday, $25 at door.Website: www.spoilme2012.com.

Why wait until May 13 to indulge mom when you can pamper her with spa services, fitness lessons, jewelry- or shoe-shopping this weekend at Spoil Me?

The women's event will be Sunday at the Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center in Dalton to raise funds for two agencies that assist women in emergency situations. Those nonprofits are Chattanooga Room in the Inn, a shelter for homeless women and their children, and Providence Ministries, which provides domestic abuse shelters and rehab programs for women in Northwest Georgia.

"There will be 60 booths offering anything from jewelry and hairbraiding to bra-fitting and cosmetics," said Paula Kleine, event chairwoman.

Kleine said entertainment is scheduled every half hour. Acts include singer Tekelia Kelley, fitness tips with Mackie Pierre, performances by Chattanooga Aerials, bellydancing by Merrybellies and tai chi lessons with Chris Campbell.

"Each exhibitor will put products or coupons or both in a purse, with the purse serving as the gift bag, and the purses will be sold in three silent auctions," said Kleine. Auctions will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-3 and 3-5 p.m.

The event's featured speaker is Aletia DuPree, former owner of the Calhoun, Ga., landmark BJ's Restaurant. Kleine said DuPree will give an inspirational talk at noon about persevering after her restaurant's fire to write the popular cookbook "Deliciously Southern: Southern Recipes and a Tour of the South."

Two ticket levels are available. The general-admission ticket allows guests to visit all booths, vendors and stage performances. The Special Services ticket adds two pampering services and one private seminar of the ticketholder's choice.

Nine 30-minute seminars will be offered between 11 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., with topics ranging from couponing to yoga instruction.

Adrian Prouty and Tara Taymore, both managers of Georgia Winery, will be on hand to lead an educational wine-tasting seminar at 2:15 p.m. for guests ages 21 and older.

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