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Greetings!
We at Abby's Closet are excited; in only a few short weeks we will have our 4th Annual Prom Boutique (give-away event) ~ April 5-6, 2008 at the Oregon Convention Center! Recently flyers and posters were sent to 235 high schools (public and private, within 150 miles of Portland) for distribution to students to let them know about our event. We are anticipating over 1,500 young women will be attending this year, so lots of gown donations and volunteer help are needed. Please visit our website to learn more about Abby's Closet and how you can volunteer to help during this exciting event. |
| VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - SIGN UP ON OUR WEBSITE |
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| Here's How You Can Help
Event Set Up and Tear Down: Are you willing to do some moving and lifting, setting up racks and dressing rooms? We could use your help! Friday afternoon April 4th, early Saturday morning April 5th and Sunday afternoon April 6th after 2 p.m. will be moving and set up and/or tear down days. This is a great opportunity for husbands, dads and big brothers to help prepare our space for the girls, and to assist in packing away everything until next year when the event is over. See our website under the volunteer links to sign up...all genders and ages welcome to help!
Prom Dress Give Away Event: If you are looking for an amazing experience helping a young girl find her perfect prom dress, then we would love to have you volunteer your time during the Give Away Event! You must be female and out of high school to volunteer during the hours we are open for the giveaway event. Find the place you feel most comfortable: interact with the girls who are anxiously waiting in line to enter, or help in the salons where the girls are trying on the beautiful dresses collected this year. There are many dresses of all colors and sizes, which can be overwhelming to the girls. You can help them find the right size,style and color, help zip up and hang up dresses, and be there when the perfect dress is found at last. You will have as much fun as the girls, we promise!
We could also use seamstresses to help with minor repairs. We have many duties and many shift to fill over the two days of the event, so please visit our website and click on the Volunteer link to sign up today. You will be so glad you did. |
| OTHER WAYS TO HELP |
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Donate Formal Gowns, Wraps and Purses: We collect donations year-round. Gowns (formal, special occasion, bridesmaid, etc.) should be new or gently used, clean, in good repair and appropriate for a high schooler. Especially needed are sizes 0-4 and 16+. If you are out shopping and see gowns in these sizes (be sure to check the mark-down racks!), it could be purchased and donated to us. Donation drop-off sites are listed on our website.
Financial Contributions: Financial contributions to be used to purchase additional gowns are greatly appreciated (and are tax deductible). See our website for donation information.
Spread the Word About Abby's Closet: Tell your family and friends about this program (or just forward this email). Distribute or post our cute die-cut or 2-sided flyers. Let us know if you would like us to send you some. |
| NEED A (Free) PROM GOWN? |
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| Dress Give-Away Event
You are invited to attend the 4th Annual Prom Boutique (dress give-away event) at the Oregon Convention Center:
Saturday, April 5: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, April 6: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
All high school women are welcome to attend (bring your student ID). We will have over 2,000 gowns in all sizes to choose from, and there is absolutely no cost to the girl. Visit our website for more information.
We encourage you to come early for best selection; because we can only accommodate a certain number of girls at a time in the dressing area, there can be a considerable waiting time. You might want to bring something to do to pass the time while you wait. Look for the sign-in table at the end of the line to obtain your numbered ticket when you first arrive. You are then free to do as you like until it is your turn to go in to select your gown.
Cassie Passon - Student Advisory Board Member (Oregon City High School) helping to prepare donations. |
| THANK YOU |
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Donations
Thanks to everyone who has made donations to Abby's Closet! We especially want to thank the following companies: Anna's Bridal (gowns) and Fred Meyer, Inc. (hangers). Thanks, also, to our newest donation drop-off sites: Milagros (NE Portland) and Weiss' Paradise Suites and Vacation Rentals (Seaside). Visit our website to see a list of other companies and individuals who have helped Abby's Closet. We very much appreciate their partnership and support. |
| STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD |
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Public Service Annoucements
Our new Student Board (7 Portland area high school and college women) have been a tremendous support and addition to our organization. They recorded Public Service Announcements that are currently being heard on local radio stations. (If you would like to hear the PSAs, they are posted on our website.) In addition, these young women have organized dress donation drives at their own and neighboring schools.
Non-Profits That Welcome Teens Volunteers
The Student Board is organizing a Volunteer Fair that will be held in the lobby at the Prom Boutique. If you know of a nonprofit organization looking for teen volunteers, or if you have any suggestions, please email us. | |
| STORAGE SPACE |
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| Storage and Donation Prep Location
Thank you to ANNE and CRAIG SWINFORD for offering Abby's Closet a large store-front location in SE Portland to use for a few months as we sort and prepare donations. We are deeply appreciative of their generosity.
After our Prom Boutique, we need to store the remaining gowns (in boxes), mirrors and other supplies until next year's give-away event. If you have a space to donate (approx. 10'x10'), we would appreciate hearing from you. Again, this is a contribution that will help us make prom dreams come true in years to come. Be a part of Abby's Closet! It is a wonderful way to help high school girls have the prom night that they will remember the rest of their lives.
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REGISTERED TRADEMARK |
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It's Official!
Our name, Abby's Closet, is now an official US registered trademark. We will be adding the ® to our name. Thank you to Candice Kim, an attorney with Miller, Nash for her pro bono services. |
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Thank you so much for supporting Abby's Closet. Please be sure to share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions with us. See you at the Prom Boutique!!
Sincerely,
Sally Egland, President
Abby's Closet |
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