By definition, the word “unique” means “having no equal,” “unparalleled” or “highly unusual.”
For those who cannot or do not read the dictionary, those attributes will be on display at the second annual “Unique Boutique” event Monday, April 20, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Aqua Turf Club.
Run by the Southington Community Services Department and sponsored by the CCOG Women’s Health Group, with offices in Southington and Bristol, the Unique Boutique will feature a collection of new and gently used designer clothing and accessories that will be available for purchase at “unparalleled, highly unusual” prices that “have no equal.”
Community Services Department Director Janet Mellon said the idea for the event came from a conversation she had with Charlotte Anderson, the daughter of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, while at a Salvation Army conference in Dallas.
“People have no idea about how much charity work the Jones family does in the Dallas area,” Mellon said. “Anderson has been running charity events for many years, and she runs a fundraiser like this every year. She filled me in on the details, and suggested we try it here.”
The event will feature a meal and cash bar, after which those attending will be able to browse through and purchase what they want from the racks and racks of clothing items at what Mellon calls “less than consignment shop” prices.
The event will also feature a white elephant sale, and a large selection of children’s clothing. “Most of the clothing will be priced in the $5 to $10 range, with the highest price being $25,” Mellon said. She also noted that any leftover clothing will be on sale at the CSD headquarters, at 91 Norton St., in Plantsville. People will be able to fill a bag with clothing for $10 per bag.
Proceeds from the clothing sale will be used to help fund the department’s emergency, energy and fuel assistance services, food supplies and possibly rent for those in need in Southington.
A number of volunteers will help with the affair, including Pam Bristol.
She said, “I volunteered for the event because I think so much of Janet and the work she is doing that I wanted to help make the boutique the best event it can be.”
While it is too late to contribute to this year’s event, Mellon is quick to point out that clothing donations are accepted for the event yearround.  “We hope to continue the boutique as an annual event,” she said, “and with the way people in the community are coming together and pulling hard to make this one happen, I think we can.”
Tickets for the Unique Boutique, costing $30 per person, will be available at the door, or can be reserved by calling the department at (860) 628-3761. Department volunteers will be staffing the phones all weekend to take orders. “But the sooner the better,” Mellon said, “because we have to come up with a seating plan and a count for the food order.
“I’m really looking forward to the sale. In this day and age, with the economy the way it is, you have to be creative to come up with fundraising ideas, and I think this is a unique opportunity to spend a night out, have a great meal and buy some wonderful clothing at reasonable prices. Everybody will benefit.”