Organizers of the annual Portage Plains United Way shopping night are calling this year's event a success.

PPUW executive director Mandy Dubois says they had 69 tables set up, and about 700 people attended last Thursday's event. She expects it will generate about $6,000 for United Way's fundraising campaign.

"We did fantastic. The weather held out for us, so that was great," Dubois says. "We were really pleased with the event, we've heard nothing but good things from it."

It was also the first year shopping night was opened up to men, and Dubois says that changed worked out well.

"I think we had about 30-40 men that walked through the doors throughout the evening," she says. "Some were alone, and some were with their significant others. I think it was nice to have the option. Some couples did come out and I think enjoyed shopping together, and I think there was quite a few men there picking up gift ideas."

"It worked out really well and we're excited to continue it."

Dubois adds opening up shopping night to men may also allow for new vendors -- that may appeal more to males -- to come to the event in the future.

"We're always looking for new vendors and new things to spice up our event," the PPUW executive director explains. "This year we were quite full, so there's not a lot of room for growth. But we think we can do a few things with setup and hopefully, continue to grow it."