Ladies, gather your dresses! It’s time for Sanibel-Captiva’s annual Love That Dress! collection party to take place on Tuesday, June 18 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in support of PACE Center for Girls of Lee County. The Royal Shell Companies will partner once again with The Prawnbroker Group at this year’s new location, The Village Shops, at 2340 Periwinkle Way. Admission is $5 along with one or more new or gently used dress.
In air-conditioned comfort, party hosts will collect dress donations in exchange for a dining certificate to Matazluna, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Last year’s popular prize drawing will return with tickets selling for five for $20 or $5 each. Everyone is encouraged to continue the merriment at Matzaluna where 15% of dinner tabs will benefit PACE.
The event is open to the public, and off-island residents are welcome. “Our goal is to collect as many dresses, shoes, handbags and accessories as possible,” explains Barb Harrington of Royal Shell. All donations will be resold at the “Love That Dress!” event to be held on August 28 at Embassy Suites in Estero, FL or otherwise benefit PACE. For more information about the main event, fan “Love That Dress!” on Facebook.
PACE Center for Girls is the only non-residential, gender specific program for at-risk girls in Lee County. The teenage girls served are facing challenges such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse, foster care, academic failure and delinquency. The local PACE Center opened its doors on February 5, 2007, and has since offered over 400 girls the unique opportunity to develop into healthy and positive individuals while furthering their education, developing their confidence and finding their voice. PACE Lee’s most recent outcome report shows that 94% of girls increased their academic performance and have no involvement with the criminal justice system a year after transitioning from the day program. As a result, PACE reduces the significant long term costs associated with teen pregnancy, substance abuse, unemployment and long term economic dependency. To help or learn more, visit www.pacecenter.org/lee.
