Photo Gallery: Ladies Night Out

Organizers of Ladies Night Out said they were pleased with the high turnout at the shopping event on Silver Spring Drive Thursday night.

The night was filled with business specials, drinks and entertainment, but donations were also collected for Trees from Home, which sends Christmas trees to members of the U.S. military serving overseas.

Trees From Home President Julie Stulhmacher said the idea for the organization began in 2002, when she sent a Christmas tree to her son, owner John Stuhlmacher, who was serving in Iraq at the time.

The organization was formed seven years later in 2009, with 1,030 trees shipped overseas that year. The next year, they shipped 1,530 trees to the troops. This year, Julie Stuhlmacher said they hope to send 2,500 trees overseas, but to do so, they need to raise $50,000.

"We need to put the pedal to the metal, and this event is a great way for us to kick it off," she said.

To learn more about the organization and see thank you notes from the troops, visit the group's website.