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Brynne Reflects on Kenzie’s CLOSET’s Fifth Birthday Sign Up Now to Volunteer for 2010 Prom Season Fun and Prizes are “In The Bag” at Second Annual Closet Cocktails Referrers are a young woman's gateway to prom memories Jane Dorger Helps Kenzie’s CLOSET Run Smoothly Brynne Reflects on Kenzie’s CLOSET’s Fifth Birthday 
Dear volunteers, donors, supporters and friends,
Five years ago I knew that there were girls in Greater Cincinnati who were staying home on prom night because the cost of an outfit was beyond their means. A small group of women and I launched Kenzie’s CLOSET to provide dresses, shoes and accessories, but also the confidence and memories that come along with the outfit.
At that time, we could not have predicted the economic crisis that has brought hundreds of girls from nearly every area high school through our doors. We did not imagine special events like those we have planned for this year that will dress both young women and men from military families for their proms, and allow developmentally disabled girls to choose the dress of their dreams. We would not have guessed that we would be offering hope and dignity to women in Uganda by helping to provide dresses for wedding ceremonies there. (We shipped 60 dresses to an organization in Uganda this year.) Kenzie’s CLOSET seems to have taken on a life of its own.
That life would not have been possible without the hundreds of women from all walks of life and of all ages who have supported the boutique over the years. As we approach our fifth birthday, I want to take a moment to personally thank each woman who has given of herself to lift up another woman. I reserve a special place in my heart for Appearance Plus Cleaners, our faithful partner for five years, and for those who have faithfully served and supported since the boutique’s earliest days.
But I am equally grateful for each high school girl who has helped at a dress drive, organized clothing at the boutique or donated a dress. I’m grateful for the grandmothers, mothers and others who have given their time to shower personal attention on our shoppers, or performed the sewing magic that made a dress fit just right. I’m thankful for the individuals and businesses that generously provided the financial resources that allow us to give every girl choices in her size.
My daughter will be married in May, and I find myself in boutiques across the city, helping to make choices that will shape that special day. I’m reminded of the way that the personal attention I receive affects my shopping experience, and of the reality that I can at times take that attention for granted. It makes me all the more passionate that each girl who visits Kenzie’s CLOSET in 2010 is treated with respect and thoughtful attention. Without you, that would not be possible.
Thank you all,Brynne Sign Up Now to Volunteer for 2010 Prom Season 
Any woman, high school aged or older, can volunteer to bring prom dreams to life in 2010. Invite some friends to come along with you by forwarding this newsletter on to them! Kenzie’s CLOSET is a special place where women can make a difference in the lives of other women.
Volunteering is easier than ever. Whether you’re an adult or a student, it takes only minutes to sign up for your volunteer hours online.
Fun and Prizes are “In The Bag” at Second Annual Closet Cocktails  Our biggest fundraising event of the year, Closet Cocktails, will be held at the Hyde Park Country Club on Wednesday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m., and features a cash bar and light fare with a Mexican theme. Proceeds from the evening are critically important, as they allow us to purchase dresses in larger sizes. Did you know one-third of all of our shoppers need these sizes and they are not commonly received through donation?
Return your response card with a check for $25 endorsed to “Kenzie’s CLOSET” to buy your ticket. Or call 533-7766. Forward this email to invite your friends to join us. Pre-purchase is encouraged, but tickets will also be available at the door.
In a raffle like no other, $25 buys your choice from a selection of gently used designer handbags in the “Purse Closet.” Inside your handbag you’ll find a ticket which puts you in the running for one of five elegant prizes.
Now Taking Referrals for 2010 Prom Season  It’s not too early to refer high school girls in financial need to Kenzie’s CLOSET. Girls must be referred by a high school principal or guidance counselor, or by a social worker in the community to be considered for a Kenzie’s CLOSET shopping experience.
Download the rules for referral and the current referral form. Referral forms from previous years cannot be accepted. Then simply fax your completed form to 513-533-0019.
Refer early for the best choice from among this year’s 15 shopping days.
Jane Dorger Helps Kenzie’s CLOSET Run Smoothly  Mt. Lookout resident Jane Dorger came on board as Assistant Director in October 2008.
“Jane has applied her administrative and creative skills to streamlining procedures and communications at the boutique,” says Brynne. “This allows us to dress more girls each year.” Under Jane’s direction, the volunteer sign-in process has been implemented and made accessible online. The Web site has been redesigned to be more visually appealing and easier to navigate. Jane also oversaw the addition of a photo gallery and an online giving program to the Web site as well.
“I love the opportunity I have to impact girls from across the city, and to work with our generous and talented volunteers,” says Jane.
Volunteers, referrers and donors can feel free to contact Jane directly with any questions. She’ll be happy to help!
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