CCA to host special occasions boutique
CCA to host special occasions boutique
To call Leanne Parks and her 30-plus volunteers “Fairy Godmothers” would be an understatement. Parks is working with Greene County’s Board of Education (BOE) College and Career Academy (CCA) to sponsor a special occasions boutique at the Academy this Saturday.
More than 250 new and gently used gowns, dresses, tops and bottoms, jewelry and hair, makeup, and manicure certificates are offered free of charge to those high schoolers wishing to get something special for their proms, special recitals and other events that mark special times in the lives.
Originally, the idea started on social media, when Parks was inquiring about where to take her daughter’s formal attire for donation.
Soon, an idea bloomed on the social app “Nextdoor,” and generous donations arrived five-fold, showing that many women (and men) wanted to be part of something special. Once the word got out, 25 long gowns were received by Christmas, prompting Parks and her volunteers to engage the CCA in partnership for an event for the high schoolers.
“As of now, we have in excess of 250 gowns of all colors, styles, short and long, and the accessories for these girls,” Parks said. “The effort really shows the power of social media promoting both the donations and events on book clubs, dinner clubs, HOA sites, mom groups and more. The lake area is special, and special people who live here are generous and giving.”
Parks proudly showed a gown that was vintage in style with handmade stitches, fabric, and color.
“This gown was received from a lady who said her daughter wore it at her Debutante Ball over 50 years ago,” Parks said. “These dresses mark special times and occasions in a woman’s life and it recapture a moment in time.”
Beth Thomas works at the CCA and has been key in getting the event off the ground. She donated theater space for the racks of clothing and promoted the event through emails and fliers throughout the school. Prom is coming in March, and she sees this as just the kickoff event for future dates at the school. Thomas brought two students over to view the gowns in advance of the event this Saturday.
“I am so happy this came about,” said 12th grader Qnanas Benford, 17. “The prom is just around the corner and I can pick out a special dress in my favorite color, blue. I am grateful these wonderful ladies pulled this together and I will be sure to tell my friends.”
“Special events capture the best days of our lives,” Parks said. “These dresses, gowns, and separates are going to the next generation of girls to mark their occasion and then, maybe passed on again.”
Gowns are grouped by color, and volunteers on Saturday will assist students with their gown selections. The idea is to treat them to an experience that caters to their needs and wishes, similar to TLC’s popular show, “Say Yes to the Dress.”
Due to the tremendous outpouring of donations and interest, Parks and her committed group of volunteers hope to sponsor the event every year and expand it outside the county at other schools and non-profits. She hopes to call it “Dreamy Gowns and Dresses.”
The event will be held at the CCA at Greene County High School, 1002 South Main Street, this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. and is open to all high-school students.