News & Press
We are grateful to the media for spreading the word that we are here to help and for celebrating the generosity and hard work of our volunteers and their communities!
| 2008-03-24 |
Bay Bity nonprofit offers free prom dresses to those who can't afford one It's the highlight of the school social season - prom.
While many girls and their moms are spending days looking for that special dress, there are just as many girls who can't afford the outfit needed to attend this fashionable event.
That's where Becca's Closet comes in.
Established four years ago in Bay City by Natalie Probst, Becca's Closet, 120 Jackson St., offers prom and homecoming dresses to girls in need.
Twelve of those dresses will be highlighted at a fashion show set for 2 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium at Bay City Central High School, 1624 Columbus Ave.
Kellie Brennan, a senior at Central, and leader of the Bay City chapter of Becca's Closet, says dress donations will be accepted at the show.
"We have short dresses, long dresses, puffy dresses, sequin dresses," Brennan said. "We have new dresses, we have gently worn dresses."
Nicolette Sheller, a junior at Central, will be modeling dresses during the show.
"I think it's a great opportunity for girls in financial need," she said. "They can experience homecoming and prom without all the worries about having to buy a dress, shoes. They can just come here."
Starting with a mere 40 dresses in 2004, Becca's Closet now stocks 600 dresses ranging in size from 0 to 18 - as well as a few 20s and one 40 - in every color and style imaginable, along with shoes and jewelry. There are a few dress pants and suits for the guys as well.
Dan Staudacher | Times Photo
Kellie Brennan, who heads up the Bay City chapter of Becca's Closet, shows off some of the dresses the organization has to give away for free.
Dresses are donated by students, adults and New York-based Demetrios Bridal. The dresses are shipped to the Becca's Closet headquarters in Florida, where the organization started, and then transported to the 70 Becca's Closet chapters across the country.
Brennan is hoping the fashion show will let other students know help is available and let the public know about the organization, which is need of help itself.
"Our organization is so amazing," Brennan said. "We help so many girls. I wish people would realize that and help us. Last homecoming season, we helped 60 girls. We're hoping to exceed that for prom."
In all, the Bay City chapter of Becca's Closet has provided dresses to 250 girls since it was founded.
In addition to dresses in larger sizes, shoes and accessories, the nonprofit organization is in need of basic things such as racks for the dresses and a place to call home.
The group was moved into a hallway at the Jackson Street location after homecoming. After prom, they may have to move again.
Share your prom photos with us!
Cindy Miller, director of the United Way Bay County Volunteer Resource Center and head of Students United, which sponsors Becca's Closet, says the group is looking at a possible move to the Cat's Meow resale shop run by Do-All Inc.
"It's just temporary where we are right now," Miller said.
Miller says the group currently is renting its dress racks.
"We're trying so hard to find a space for what we do," Brennan said. "We want to try to get an area that's accessible."
Shopping at Becca's Closet is by appointment only from 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Brennan said she will work around girls' schedules if needed.
|
|
« BACK
|
goldcoastwebdesign.com