In Chappaqua, March madness is followed directly by spring madness; an altruistic shopping experience created by the Chappaqua School Foundation. The purchase of a ticket to CSF’s annual benefit on April 27 entitles patrons to discounts and promotions at a wide variety of local businesses. Donations from merchants are given directly to CSF and are used to finance enhancements in the school district.
The idea for the program was first presented to CSF by Barry Mishkin of Family Britches. Participation by merchants has increased substantially over the past few years and the duration of spring madness has been extended to six weeks this year. From April 1 to May 15, ticket holders reap savings when shopping locally. “The bottom line is CSF does very well and it benefits the merchants,” Mishkin noted.
Tara Mikolay of Desires by Mikolay, is a huge proponent of spring madness. “It’s really important for the residents to know that our stores are supporting local charities,” she said. In addition to offering a 10% discount to all ticket holders during spring madness, Desires will be hosting a cocktail event – open to everyone – on May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. During this event, the 10% discount will be offered to all attendees; just in time for mother’s day.
More than 60 businesses have signed up for spring madness. The following is a brief list of some of the participants and their respective promotions: Auntie Penny; 25% off one purchase, Quaker Hill Tavern; one brownie sundae per table, Rhododendron; 20% off one item, March Boutique; 10% off one purchase, and Richard Scott Salon; 10% off any one service on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Click on chappaquaschoolfoundation.org/index.php/site/springmadness2012 to see the complete list.
