The Princess Closet is a nonprofit organization that provides prom dresses and accessories to girls who cannot afford them. It operates a national dress donation campaign called DonateMyDress.org and provides local dress drives across the US. The organization aims to make prom dreams a reality for girls and encourage higher education through an annual scholarship program.
1. Maria Davalos, Founder WWW.PRINCESS-CLOSET.ORG • (312) 203-5392 • 3844 S. PARNELL AVE • CHICAGO, IL 60609 “Where Prom Dreams Become Reality”
2. DonateMyDress.org D onateMyDress.org is the first national campaign designed to encourage girls around the country to donate their prom and special occasion dresses to those who cannot afford the costly experience of going to their prom, sweet 16, quinceañera, or formal. The site features a directory of local dress drive organizations across the U.S. that enables girls to easily find where in their local markets they can donate or receive a dress. DonateMyDress.org thrives on the dedication of volunteers who run dress drives nationwide. They work tirelessly to see that every girl in need receives the dress of her dreams, and they empower her to feel more glamorous and confident than ever before. The campaign also grows with the generosity of our corporate sponsors and individual donors, who are stylish women of all ages, as well as celebrities .
3. Our Mission T he Princess Closet, a member of DonateMyDress.org, is a not for profit organization that was established in 2010 for the young ladies in high schools across the state of Illinois. We like to think of ourselves as their fairy godmothers, providing them with the means to fulfill a dream that will remain a bright and beautiful memory for many years beyond graduation. In addition to providing all the prom attire and accessories needed to transform hundreds of young ladies into the belles of the ball, the Princess Closet is an advocate of higher education and promotes academic excellence. Therefore, in 2010, the Princess Closet established a Scholarship Fund and on August 28, 2011, we awarded our first two Scholarships to two young ladies who graduated with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, where involved in community service and showed leadership skills. Making Prom A Reality…
4. Our Board T he Board of Directors of the Princess Closet are volunteers who are trustees of the organization and who represent and are responsible to the organization’s clients, to the community, to funders, and to the government, as a whole. The Board of Directors is responsible for seeing that the Princess Closet keeps the promises described in its mission statement, and for assuring that the organization is accountable for acting within the laws governing the operations of non-profit corporations.
5. Student Advisory Board T he purpose of the Student Advisory Board is to assist the Princess Closet’s Board of Directors in connecting with high school students. This may include organizing and leading dress donation drives and assisting with Outreach to high school girls. In addition, the Student Board may assist the Princess Closet’s Board members with fundraising efforts, marketing or public relations activities, organization of the annual Prom Gown Giveaway Event or related committee work. The Princess Closet Board of Directors will work closely with the Student Board members to help them further develop their leadership, organization, communication and teamwork skills. Be a par of the Student Advisory Board
6. Our SHS (Students Helping Students - Volunteers) W hat a great way to get high school girls involved in organizing a prom dress collection drive for other young girls that are in need of one. The students will get a sense of accomplishment in helping their peers and having the satisfaction that their efforts are going to make another girl’s prom a magical one. Student volunteers with the Princess Closet take on many responsibilities, but the personal rewards are ongoing! By volunteering, students gain a better sense of self and discover firsthand how to positively impact their own community. Fulfill your service hours through the Princess Closet and participate in the Dream Day Events. To register your school as a School Collection Partner contact us at: princess.closet@live.com or call 312-203-5392.
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8. What We Do Raise money for the Scholarship Fund… Sirena85 The following items are specifically chosen for Princess Closet participants. 25% of each necklace and earring set will go toward the Princess Closet Scholarship. Please visit the Princess Closet website for more information. http://www.princess-closet.org/index.php
9. Scholarship Fund Purpose: The Leadership Scholarship is sponsored by the donors of Princess Closet. The scholarship supports high school senior young ladies who are involved in extracurricular activities or who volunteer in their community. Volunteering experience is critical to students’ personal growth and development of their leadership skills. The goal of our scholarship program is to invest in students who despite their financial difficulties, recognize the importance of giving to those in need. We seek applicants who have dreams to realize and are passionate about their future. Princess Closet Promoting Higher Education
12. Dream Day Events E ach year the Princess Closet along with Modern Wave Salon and A Common Thread will hold various “Dream Day Events” for all local High School Juniors & Seniors to find their magical dress. The event will start off with a fashion show displaying some of the donated dresses. Laura, the make-up artist and instructor of Modern Wave Salon will discuss the latest prom hairstyles and make-up techniques. Jamie Kendall, creator and founder of A Common Thread, speaks about the best type of dress for the different female body types. Young ladies are assigned personal shoppers to assist them in finding their magical prom attire.
15. Our Partners Modern Wave Salon & Spa M odern Wave Salon has served the beauty needs of Chicagoland for over 25 years. From skincare to hair color, and everything in between, Modern Wave truly defines “full service!” Modern Wave Salon & Spa works closely with the Princess Closet in collecting dresses, sponsoring fundraisers, and being a part of the Dream Day Events.
16. Our Partners A Common Thread J amie Kendall, creator and founder of A Common Thread, is a our fashion consultant. She speaks to the girls at the Dream Day Events to help them discover their magical dress. Jamie explains to the girls the styles and fabrics that are suitable for the various body types. This gives them an idea as to what style of dress to shop for and become the Belle of the Ball at their prom. http://www.acommonthread.net/About-Us.html
17. Our Partners Sirena85 Welcome to Sirena85 We sell amazing jewelry for all ages and styles. We sell fashion jewelry, fine jewelry and loose gemstones. We are always on the lookout for new amazing pieces so be sure to visit often! We also create custom pieces, please contact us for more information or to view more items. Thanks for stopping by! S elena Arana partnered with the Princess Closet and created Princess Closet Jewelry. 25% of each necklace and earring set will go toward the Princess Closet Scholarship. http://www.sirena85.com
18. Our Partners International Pageants M ary Richardson, Executive Director of International Pageants Inc., has partnered with the Princess Closet. This year we received approximately 100 dresses, some shoes and accessories from the contestants of the International Pageants. In addition, the pageant sent Ashley Smith, Miss International 2010 to the Prom Glitz event to be the guest speaker and model for the fashion show.
19. Our Partners A L'Amour A L’Amour generously donated over 200 dresses, shoes and jewelry to the Princess Closet this year! In addition, they are one of the boutiques participating in the Prom Makeover contest. Thank you A L’Amour - we truly appreciate and look forward to your continued support. A L'Amour, 236 W. Northwest Highway Barrington, Illinois 847.381.5858 The once in a lifetime experience of selecting "The Dress of Your Dreams“ in surroundings that will turn your search into a memorable event to be treasured forever .... Imagine the possibilities ....
20. Our Partners Life Storage of Little Village Life Storage has generously provided space to house all of our donations for our Dream Day Events. Life Storage of Little Village 3245 W. 30th Street Chicago, IL 60623 Phone: 773-801-5451
21. Our Partners The Frock Shop The Frock Shop has generously provided dresses and assisted our Prom Makeover Winner with a prom dress. Look like a million, without having to spend it! The idea for the Frock Shop was born on a chilly afternoon in November. While cleaning out my closet, I noticed all of the beautiful dresses that I had purchased over the years, but had only worn once. These included my wedding dress, pageant dresses and expensive cocktail dresses. These dresses not only represented thousands of dollars, but they were still in great condition and were just sitting in my closet! It was then that the idea of renting dresses made very good sense and with the support of my wonderful husband and fabulous friends, the Frock Shop was born. As the owner of the Frock Shop, I believe that purchasing your wedding or special occasion gown should be a fun and stress free experience. Our team is dedicated to making you happy and doing everything that we can to help you look fabulous on your special day. We look forward to helping you find the perfect dress, for less! http://frockshopchicago.com/aboutus.html