Five years ago, Cardinal Glennon supporters came up with an inspired idea: a card that gives St. Louisans the opportunity to get a discount at hundreds of local brick-and-mortar stores and helps children in need at the same time.
When trendy boutique Laurie Solet was approached to participate, it was an easy, ‘Yes, please,’ says Laura McDonald, manager/buyer at the Town & Country location. Laurie Solet has been part of the program every year since.
The clothing and accessories boutique not only honors the discount card, but also sells it at both its Town & Country and Clayton locations. “The first year, when organizers approached us to be part of it, we saw it as a fantastic way to give back to the community and support small business as well,” McDonald says. “We didn’t know what to expect since it was a new program. Whatever the outcome, we knew that Cardinal Glennon has a huge impact on the St. Louis area, and that the money was going to a good cause.” Additionally, it brings people into stores where they may not normally shop, or better yet, diverts money from online sales to our local economy.
The outcome couldn’t have been better, and the discount shopping program continues to grow every year. The concept is simple: Customers buy the Glennon Card for $50 online or at local businesses like Laurie Solet, and it entitles them to a 20 percent discount on regularly priced merchandise Oct. 23 through Nov. 1 at more than 300 participating retailers. What makes buying the card even better, McDonald notes, is that 100 percent of the money goes directly to helping children at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, making your $50 totally deductible.
“We just got the numbers of how much Laurie Solet has raised since the program started, and we were blown away that our store alone has donated more than $10,000 through card sales,” she says. “You can only imagine how much is actually being raised with the number of businesses involved.” In 2014, it is reported that 3,200 Glennon Cards were sold, and more than $180,000 was raised through card sales and sponsor support. The program is run by the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation and the Glennon Guild, a 300-member women’s organization. “The women with the Guild who are working on this are so committed,” McDonald says. “You can tell it’s very near and dear to their hearts.”
She says it’s a great opportunity for people to give back and get some early holiday shopping done—at a discount. “Sometimes people want to help but just don’t know where to turn,” she says. “This offers a perfect way to support your neighbors, and it creates a really positive energy. It’s a circle: You give some, you get some.” McDonald says the demand is so great, they have to make sure someone is handling the phones the day the cards go on sale because customers are so eager. “Everyone gets excited about giving back,” she says.
For an early bird shopping experience, Laurie Solet will host a pre-sale Sip ‘n Shop event from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at both locations. “We’ll have wine and little treats, and customers can use their Glennon Card early that one night at Laurie Solet before the two-week period begins,” McDonald says. Some other stores also have similar events.
She says the store will continue to participate in this cause. “Every year, there are more and more people who buy the Glennon Card and use it,” she notes. “The word is spreading, and people understand what a good deal it is!”
Pictured: Laura McDonald of Laurie Solet
Photo: Bill Barrett
