A shopping spree for a good cause

Personally, I don't need a reason to shop, but if I have to have one, this one is good. The Shop to Make a Difference event at University Village May 18-20 is the annual fund-raiser for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. It's simple: Buy a $20 card and get 20 percent off at participating shops and restaurants. All proceeds from the card go to Fred Hutch.

Here's your chance to buy items that never go on sale or just-in spring merchandise at regular prices. My suggestions:

• Something Silver – Gorgeous gemstone earrings from Maria Carter

• Fran's Chocolates – Luscious sea-salt caramels

• Anthropologie – A cute summer top and skirt

• Beauty Works – Hair stuff and OPI nail polish

• Ravenna Gardens – One of their exotic plants and a pretty pot

• Zovo Lingerie – A pair of pricey panties

• Restoration Hardware – Luxe cotton bath towels

• Mrs. Cook's – Loads of gadgets that never go on sale

If you need more reasons to shop, check out the new stores and expansions. Sole Food moved and expanded their collection of shoes. The kid-and-mom shoe store has gone beyond comfort shoes and now offers a range of fashion-forward footwear, including handcrafted Cydwoq shoes. Rouge, a clothing and accessories boutique for women, opened in April in Willow's former space. Check out their collection of summer dresses.

The charitably minded may want to shop at Crate & Barrel – they'll donate 5 percent of all houseware sales as well. Glassybaby, makers of chunky glass votive holders, will have a special location near Fireworks and will donate 10 percent of all sales, too.

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