MADD Mall Benefit Worthy of a Toast

The “media alert” for the first Camarillo outlet mall shopping spree to benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving touts an informational exhibit, a sidewalk sale, an all-day . . . wine-and-cheese reception.

Huh?

If the idea of sipping wine at an event promoted as a “lifesaving effort to bring drunk driving to a screeching halt” seems strange, just ask local MADD Chairwoman Linda Oxenreider.

“I don’t think it’s a very good idea, unless they’re giving a very small taste,” said Oxenreider, who was unaware of the wine-tasting plans.

The manager of the upscale Jhane Barnes outlet store, which is sponsoring the wine-and-cheese reception during MADD About Outlet Shopping Day, said she originally thought the event was planned to lure shoppers to the mall.

Later, after the tasting was planned, manager Sandy Byrd learned MADD would be the beneficiary.

Byrd said she will push nonalcoholic wine and ginger ale, but will have some of the real stuff on hand for customers who demand it. “I have to keep everybody happy,” she said, adding later that “the glasses are very small.”

MADD About Outlet Shopping Day is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Camarillo Premium Outlets, 740 E. Ventura Blvd. MADD members nationwide will organize informational exhibits at 210 outlet centers in 44 states and Canada during National Outlet Shopping Week.

Oxenreider said local MADD members will be on hand with an information table, offering different flavors of popcorn--”MADD munchies”--T-shirts, pencils and educational materials. The organization hopes the event will increase membership and bring in cash to support the chapter.

Also planned during the day are a comedy show, a fashion show and musical performances at the mall’s food hall.