Thursday... the perfect day for this shameless plug for a good cause I hold dear to my heart: The Panty Schmooze fundraising event for local women's shelters.

Some will attend to schmooze with music industry types and see Lindy, Jason McCoy, & Kristen Jones perform. Some will come on down to clear out their closet and/or pocketbook for a good cause. Some will just be there to see panties hanging from the ceiling. But all will come to support women who've been brave enough to take positive steps towards change for themselves and their children.

The event, now in its 3rd year, is a schmoozing shindig organized for the sole purpose of raising money for local women's shelters -- this year's recipients of much cash, supplies, clothing and PANTIES are Nellie's and Ernestine's shelters.

The Panty Schmooze team, which I'm so proud to be a part of, has spent the year raising awareness, money and donations for the schmooze. Now that it's just around the corner, I can tell you that things have REALLY come together.

Despite warnings from all sides that people would not be so generous this year after the tsunami crisis, we've still seen a tremendous outpouring of support. Indian Motorcycle has donated the venue, countless businesses have donated door prizes (we've got over 20 of 'em (like, $3000 bucks worth) to give away!!) and support for our food and clothing drives leading up to the event have surpassed all the goals set earlier in the year.

If you haven't had a chance to get in on the giving, there's still time of course...

This SATURDAY (April 9th) from 9am-2pm you can get a kick start on your spring cleaning by packing up your gently used clothing (and maybe even those new items you got for xmas and will so never wear) and bringing 'em down to the Indian Motorcycle building at 355 King St West (at Peter St).

The schmoozers will be there (along with Flo 93.5 who will be on remote), to accept the donations and present you with much good karma in return. ;)

If you don't have any clothing to donate but are wondering what else you could bring, think Canadian Tire money, cash, and even non-perishable food items. Everything is welcome. Also have a look at our shelter WISHLISTS to see what other types of items are in high demand but short supply at the shelters.

If you're just in it for the schmoozing, then come on down to the 3rd floor of the Indian Motorcycle CafĂŠ (again, 355 King St. W) on MONDAY between 5-7pm. Admission is $30 or 5 pair of new panties (or kids' underwear).

Like I mentioned above, there are an insane number of door prizes (we're talking $700 cell phones, spa packages, concert tickets, and more) so your inner winner really shouldn't miss out on this one. Plus, we both know you don't have other plans on a Monday evening.

All this info and much more at www.pantyschmooze.com.