Party, prom dress sale planned in Dickinson

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It’s time to clean out closets — picking out party, prom or bridal attendant dresses that won’t be worn again.

Donated dresses are needed for the upcoming Prom and Party Dress Sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Ramada Grand Dakota Lodge.

Once donated, the dresses will be sold for $25 to $40 for spring proms, maybe a winter cruise, the hospital charity ball or Yuletime.

“It’s great fun,” committee chairperson Rhonda Dukart said. “It gets absolutely crazy with all the girls coming in.”

Proceeds go to the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center.

“We need dresses because last year’s event was so successful, we sold a big majority of the dresses that were donated,” Dukart said. “And 100 percent of the asking price goes to Domestic Violence.”

The need for support of the shelter is great, executive director Dairanne Johnson said.

“We are overwhelmed right now — the shelter is overcapacity,” she said. “Our clients are struggling in the economy in Dickinson.”

She referenced girls of shelter clients who have taken advantage of the sale.

“These girls are able to buy dresses that are beautiful and make them feel beautiful — they are able to go to the prom and be like everybody else,” Johnson said.

Her staff helps fit the dresses on the day of the sale.

“It’s so much fun for us to be able to help the girls,” she said. “We run from the minute the doors open, but it’s so much fun the time flies.”

Johnson expressed her appreciation to the committee.

“They are the best group of people to work with — they’re just amazing,” she said.

The committee offers the option of submitting dresses on consignment. The first $30 goes to the charity, while the donor gets the balance.

“Right now, I guess we have six dresses more than $500 in value,” Dukart said. “They hang in the closet and probably not be worn again. I’m hoping girls will be willing to part with them, even on consignment — at least a young girl can wear a beautiful dress on her prom.”

Dukart referenced examples of girls who could not possibly afford a $500 dress.

“At least two or three girls leave in tears after they’ve found a dress that’s perfect for them — that’s why I do this every single year,” she said.

Dukart considers the program a win-win for everyone involved.

“The person who donates should feel good about doing something so generous to help the shelter and to help the girls who couldn’t get a dress otherwise,” she said.

She’s observed several of the dresses were recycled more than once. After wearing a gown for a party, it’s donated back to the charity.

“That’s the practical side of me,” she said.

A display of the dresses can be seen at Prairie Hills Mall. Donated dresses may be dropped off at American Bank Center, 140 First Ave. W.; Consolidated, 507 Main St. S. or Hair Ovations, 438 Villard St. W. Donations of dresses will be accepted through Friday.

Tags: prom dress sale, lifestyle, dickinson, local