Grab your girlfriends and get ready to Sip, Shop, and Support! 💕 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts chats with Ashley Richter from United Way of Lee County about one of the most fun fundraisers of the year — the Girlfriend Gala!

This event is a true ladies’ night out, filled with delicious food, drinks, raffles, silent auctions, live music from Kathy and Dre, and a variety of exciting vendors — from tarot card readings and color analysis to a dry head spa experience by Sleek Hair Salon and Scalp Spa, this year’s presenting sponsor.

All proceeds benefit United Way’s 2025 Annual Campaign, supporting local nonprofits and programs that make a real impact in Lee County.

🎟 Event Details:
📅 Thursday, November 20
🕔 5:00–8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 4:30)
📍 Dixon Elks Lodge
💲 $50 per person or $375 per table of eight
🎟 Purchase tickets: https://unitedwayofleecounty.org

💻 Can’t attend? Support the cause through the United Is the Way Virtual Silent Auction, open November 20–23!

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:41 – 01:23

💃 What Is the Girlfriend Gala?

01:23 – 01:56

🎟️ Details about food, drinks, raffles, live music, and how the event supports United Way.

01:56 – 02:36

💖 Supporting the Community

02:36 – 03:31

🕰️ History of the Event

03:31 – 04:12

🌸 How the event adapted during COVID and came back stronger with live music and new experiences.

04:12 – 05:15

🎶 New Features & Planning Ahead

05:15 – 06:18

🤝 Sponsors, donations, and new additions for 2025, including Sleek Hair Salon, tarot readings, and color analysis.

06:18 – 07:21

🛍️ Vendors & Auctions

07:21 – 08:01

🎁 Holiday Giving & Community Support

08:01 – 09:07

📅 Event Details & How to Attend

09:07 – 09:43

🌐 How anyone in the Sauk Valley area can participate online and support United Way.

09:43 – 10:25

Follow us on all social media platforms below:

https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress

https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress

https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/

https://rumble.com/radarfreepress

https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress

https://x.com/radarfreepress

https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/

https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress

#united way of lee county #girlfriend gala #lee county events #sauk valley events #fundraiser #ladies night out #dixon il events #community fundraiser #silent auction #local nonprofits #women supporting women#giving back #lee county community #holiday charity event #dixon elks lodge #2025 events #community impact