Two charities that help sick children will give donors a guilt-free reason to go on a spree.
By MARY JANE PARK
Published October 27, 2004
ST. PETERSBURG - It won't buy you a discount on a new Jaguar or a Cartier Tank watch. Nonetheless, pay $50 for the new Shop 'Til You Drop shopping card, and you'll get a 20 percent discount on other goods and services from more than 250 bay area retailers.
Some exclusions apply, and card holders must read the fine print in the accompanying directory. Even with the restrictions, the card offers a discount on Jaguar labor services at Crown Jaguar, for example, and on everything but Cartier jewelry and consignment pieces at Bruce Watters Jewelers.
The Children's Dream Fund and the Pediatric Cancer Foundation are sponsoring the Shop 'Til You Drop campaign to raise money for the two charities.
Discounts are available from numerous stores, restaurants and spas Friday through Nov. 7.
Cynthia Lake, executive director of the Children's Dream Fund, said inaugural participating merchants are from Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. It is hoped that the program will expand to Sarasota, Manatee and Polk counties next year.
All proceeds from the shopping card sales will directly benefit the Children's Dream Fund and the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The two organizations, which help children who have life-threatening illnesses, hope to earn $50,000 through the program this year.
The cards are designed by Plant City pop artist Jules Burt. Each comes with a directory that lists participating stores.
In Pinellas County, they include American Spirits, Ann Taylor, the Arts Center, Beach Drive Papery, Bernie & Son Jewelers, Bertoni Restaurant, Bossa Nova, Bruce Watters Jewelers, Crown Jaguar, Evander Preston Contemporary Jewelry Design, Kool Beanz Coffee Salon, Feet First, Festive Occasions, the Frame Station, Gold's Gym, If & Only If, LaPosh Salon, Lasting Impressions, Marion's, Milagros, Panera Bread, Patchington, Pink Palm Boutique, Roco Traders, Sports City, Tierra Verde Salon & Spa, Tokyo Sushi Cafe, Tranquility Day Spa and Tropic Al's.
HOW TO BUY
Information on how to purchase the cards is available at the Children's Dream Fund, 727 896-6390, www.childrensdreamfund.org and the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, (813) 269-0955; www.pcfusa.org
