Estrogen filled the air of Deseret Book locations from Layton to St. George Saturday night as the popular bookstore hosted its biannual "Ladies' Night."

During the Priesthood session of General Conference, Deseret Book locations throughout Utah held a ladies-only event to meet authors, win free prizes, participate in humanitarian projects and mingle with other women of all ages.

"I come every time because it's fun to be in a store where there's no guys, to be able to wander around and do what we want," said Mischelle Pierce of Provo.

"It's a great night for ladies to get together and feel good about being ladies and learn a little more about other women and authors and things they have to say," said Gayle Keller, Head Cashier of the Orem Deseret Book. "It's just a fun night out."

Brent Severe, Retail Account Manager for Deseret Book, said Deseret Book tries to do something humanitarian-oriented every Ladies' Night.

Besides meeting authors and winning free goodies at the Orem Deseret Book location, women took buttons off old clothing to be used in sewing kits by the Church Humanitarian Center.

"The more opportunities we have of seeing the needs of others, we feel better about ourselves but it gives us the chance to feel good by helping others, so it's a great opportunity," Keller said.

In the past, Deseret Book has worked with local charities and community organizations during Ladies' Night, however, this year, Deseret Book partnered with Reach the Children, an international humanitarian organization that operates in Africa.

"Deseret Book was aware of our work in Africa, so Ladies' Night seemed like the perfect opportunity to mix the Ladies' Night tradition with a good cause," said Kevin Clawson, president of Reach the Children.

"This year is the first time Deseret Book has gone international. The Church is an international church, so the time is now," Severe said.

Representatives from Reach the Children raised awareness about the organization's education and poverty-fighting efforts in Africa and informed women of the quilt and school supply drive that Deseret Book will participate in for the next three months.

"People are so excited; they are so thrilled to give something to children they know are so needy," said Marilyn Barton, a Reach the Children representative. "I think people really do want to reach out and help each other. There is a wonderful love in the world right now where people care about each other."

Prizes for drawings held every 15 minutes included calendars, CD's, chocolates, children's books, computer programs and novels.

"I love Ladies' Night," said Brandi Mitchell of Provo who won a "Charly" bag filled with Primary supplies, bookmarks and a picture. "It's fun to get out, away from the kids, and do something with the girls and look at the books."

Amy Jeffs of Salt Lake, who won a children's flap book, said Ladies' Night is a time for her to have fun with her mom and sisters.

"My family, ever since we were little, my mom and all my sisters would go and it's a tradition now that I'm in school," Jeffs said.

Women who attended "Ladies' Night" not only received free fudge and cookies and free prizes, but also 20 percent off featured authors' works.

Authors at the University Mall Deseret Book in Orem included Kathleen MacArthur, Rachel Nunes, Ann Marie Oborn, Staci Peters, Amanda Rasmussen, Emily Watts and Margaret Young.

"If you're a female author, you do Ladies' Night," said Margaret Young. "It's probably one of the biggest things Deseret Book does."

Janene Baadsgard, Toni Sorenson Brown and Annette Lyon were the featured authors at the Provo Deseret Book.

"I've been doing it since they very first started and it used to be very small and not very many people knew about it," said Janene Baadsgard, LDS author of 20 years. "It's really grown and I think it's a wonderful tradition for myself and my daughters. I love Ladies' Night; it's just a lot of fun."

Until January 3, 2003, all Deseret Book and Mormon Handicraft locations throughout Utah will be taking donations of school supplies and quilts for Reach the Children.



Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Oct 2002