Building Successful Business Women in Surprise will have its first free, community networking and business showcase event from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 21 at Moda Salon Suites and Café Piazza, 15142 W. Bell Road, Surprise.

Men, women and the community of Surprise and surrounding areas are invited to attend this networking business showcase event to connect with business owners and network for success.

This kick-off event is featuring 25-30 local businesses whose focus ranges from food, crafts, clothes and jewelry to candles, wellness, organic hair, body products and more. The event was created by Brenda Lyons, the owner of Eco Chic Hair Boutique and a certified life and health coach, as a way to help her community grow and thrive.

"Sometimes business owners get so busy working in our business that we need a way to work on our business, and this event is one way to start that process," Lyons said. " In the future we hope to have speakers and workshops. We've had such a huge response, that we are planning on holding our next event on the third Sunday of the month at a new location to accommodate more businesses."

The group is accepting donations for a raffle, with the proceeds benefiting The C.O.P.S. organization, (Concerns of Police Survivors) and Arizona 100 Club, "Standing behind the men and women who stand behind their badge." Both organizations will be a part of the event. These two organizations are near to Lydons' heart.

"They were our strength and shoulder to cry on when we lost my son-in-law in the line of duty 12/17/09. He was a DPS officer, leaving my daughter with a newborn and three young girls. We just wanted a way to give back," Lyons said.

If you are interested in contributing to the raffle, participating next month, or want additional information, contact Brenda at 602-757-6211,brendamlyons@cox.net.

Moda Salon Suites and Café Piazza is east of Reems Road on Bell Road, behind Nationwide Insurance, Papa John's Pizza, Sun Valley Dental and Brookside Sports Bar & Grill.

Participating organizations include:

Eco Chic Hair Boutique

Your Potential Coaching

Nails Designs by Dana

Passion Parties

Gold Party Events - Bring your Gold for the Best price in town

Two Hearts One Love Clothing & Boutique

Therapeutic Kneads - Massage

jai - t skin - Aesthetician

Park Lane Jewelry

Market America

Renovare' Wellness by Design Clinic

Rachel's Bake Shop

Joy Grainger

Avon

Scentsy Candles

Personal Trainer

Melaleuca

Pampered Chef

Forever Young Skin, Permanent Makeup, Lash Extentions & more

Tupperware

West Valley Painting - Custom

KBH Photography

West Valley Sports Academy

Mad Notes by Marsha

Organic Bath & Body Clollections

Lily Today Senior Wellness

True Blue Tax

C.O.P.S. organization (Concerns of Police Survivors)

100 Club