By Jacob Robinson, Simcoe Reformer

While the Delhi Belgian Club is often the site of weddings, social events and co-ed gatherings of all kinds, for one night a year, the ladies take over.

Wednesday marked the annual Simcoe Reformer and Delhi News-Record Ladies Night Out, an evening of shopping, dinner, drinks and entertainment aimed at local women and businesses.

Entrants are treated to a gift bag at the front door courtesy of the Ladies Night Out main sponsors. Once inside they're able to browse booths set up by local businesses before sitting down to a stellar meal.

"It's a great, fun evening. Women love to shop, love to get together and if women are happy, they're going to network and be able to tell success stories," said Darlene Edmonds, member of the Haldimand-Norfolk Reach Child Nutrition Network, the organization receiving proceeds from the 50/50 draw at the event.

As fun as Ladies Night Out has become for local residents, the evening has also become a major opportunity for businesses big and small to showcase their products.

"I think it's very exciting for the women that are going to be here tonight to see all the wonderful ideas that we have to offer," said Cheryl Halmo of Halmo Jewellers, located in both Port Dover and Simcoe. The Halmo Jewellers booth featured entirely new products, including a line made and produced in British Columbia.

"That makes it really cool for Canadians to support Canadian artists," said Halmo, adding the store will donate 20% of all Sarah Hope jewellery sold to the Norfolk General Hospital.

"I think this is an opportunity for the women to come and see that indeed the product line is beautiful and they can also have a piece of jewellery that can help in their community, not just for their own gratification."

Even if they didn't purchase any items, attendees were able to leave knowing they'd still helped out a local cause. The 50/50 draw proceeds will be allocated towards helping schools with their breakfast program -- a program that gives students the opportunity to enjoy a meal before their first class.

"W have 10 programs in the Norfolk area right now, so we're supporting about 1,250 kids with this donation. It's very wide-reaching and we're very pleased to be the recipient," said Sharon Smyth of the child nutrition network. "And it looks like it's a fabulous way to start your Christmas shopping."

Added Edmonds: "We're able to take the time to tell them stories about the difference they're making in the nutrition program, and out of that we may get a few more volunteers."

Canadian comedian Sabrina Jalees -- known for her work on MuchMusic's Video on Trial -- provided the laughs following dinner for the 400-plus ladies on hand at an event that, despite running year after year, always seems to grow.

"It's nice because we have some new vendors and new people coming out for the first time this year," said Sue Downs, the Simcoe Reformer advertising manager. "It's exciting to see when they walk in for the first time how impressed they are with the event.

"Each year it just keeps getting bigger and bigger."