SFA Students Formal Dresses ODK Annual Fundraiser

Kimberly Ferguson, The Pine Log - Staff Writer

The Stephen F. Austin State University circle of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society hosted their seventh annual Dresses for Dreams event this past week on March 27 and 28. The Dresses for Dreams event provided students, faculty and community members the opportunity to purchase dresses, shoes and accessories at discounted prices. Dress styles ranged from formal to casual. Shoppers were able to make purchases on March 27 and March 28. The event was held in the BPSC’s third floor commons.

“ODK does not keep any of the money,” ODK secretary Michelle Mair said. “It is only done by our circle and actually started as a prelim project, and ODK liked it so much we decided to keep doing it.”

The goal of Dresses for Dreams was to allow students and community members to donate their formal dresses that they likely would never wear again and transform items to closet space charitable funds. This community service project allowed girls who may lack the financial ability to purchase a new prom or banquet dress to find a gently used gown at a significantly discounted price. Donations received were dropped off at the Student Affairs Office, located in BPSC 3.302. ODK goal was 250 dresses. Students were encouraged to bring prom, banquet, bridesmaid or everyday dresses. ODK provided forms that indicated the donations as tax deductible.  

“This year it is benefiting a school in Guyana, South America, to help build a library,” Mair said. “In years past, we have donated to the women’s shelter and other Nacogdoches community outreach centers. Any dresses we have had for a while after the event, we donate to other projects that are in need of more dresses. We hope a lot of people in the community and students at SFA come out to this event.”