Dress for Success SW Florida raises over $90,000
Dress for Success SW Florida raised over $90,000 at its virtual fundraiser, “A REcycled Night in Black & White,” on Oct. 15. The event streamed live from Opulent Lighting and Design, and over 1,200 supporters tuned in to watch from the comfort of their home, some as far away as Rome.
The gala featured a fashion show showcasing the theme, “Making Marvelous out of the Discarded.” Designers were challenged with creating one runway-ready women’s ensemble from randomly assigned, donated bags of clothing, not appropriate for client suitings.
The following designers were honored as winners: first place, Sedona Lehua; second place, Francielle Stiefelmann; third place, Yvonne Krystman and people’s choice, Alanna Jaron. Other competing designers were Kaylee Rouse, Amanda Jaron, Dinara Idayalova, Anny Allen, Melanie Herrera, Anna Maria Cortes Rodriguez, Sarah Coble and Allisa Kliewer.
“It was a one-of-a-kind event and not something we had planned on, but overall, I am extremely happy with the result,” said Nickole Hendra, executive director of Dress for Success SW Florida. “We took every component of our live event and made it virtual.”
Additionally, the event offered a cork pull, live and silent auction, swag bags and specialty desserts.
Money raised from this annual event will help support programs that are offered free to women in Lee, Collier and Hendry counties, including Women Empowered Through Employment Series (WETES) for unemployed and underemployed women, Professional Women’s Group (PWG) for employed women and Entrepreneurial Spirit Program (E$P) for women that want to start their own business.
The event was sponsored by The Elizabeth K. Galeana Foundation, Edison National Bank, Entech, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, Stevens Construction, Waste Pro, Garramone Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Fifth Third Bank, Home-Tech, Card Systems/eGuarded, R.D. Johnson Construction, Inc., Priority Marketing, Dream Fit LLC, and eBella Magazine.
About Dress for Success SW Florida
Dress for Success SW Florida is headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida and serves women in Lee, Collier and Hendry counties. The mission of Dress for Success SW Florida is to promote the independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. The nonprofit helps women achieve self-defined financial and professional success. Dress for Success SW Florida serves job-ready women by referral only. For more information, email sw.florida@dressforsuccess.org or call 239-689-4992. Dress for Success SW Florida is located at 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 252, Fort Myers, FL 33907.
