RACINE – Prom season is almost here and the Belle of the Ball Prom Dress Boutique will be here to serve the students of Greater Racine. This year, Express Employment Professionals of Racine and Kenosha have partnered with Belle of the Ball Charity to offer a solution for those who may not have the funds available to purchase the perfect prom dress.
Loretta Olson, franchisee of the local Express Office, announced the collaboration last week. The charity was founded in 2006 by Krystyna Sarrazin to assist young women who do not have the financial means to purchase a prom dress. Olson knows what it feels like to be in that position and how extraordinary it was to receive a helping hand.
“I remember attending the Racine Prom like it was yesterday,” said Olson. “It was May of 1980 and I was fortunate enough to have such a sweet friend, Robin Korndoerfer, lend me a cream polyester dress that wrapped around one shoulder. I will always remember how beautiful it made me feel.
“My parents did not have a lot of disposable income,” she continued, “so it meant the world to me that Robin let me borrow a dress. From that day on I always wondered how I could help other girls in my situation. When the opportunity arose to work with Belle of the Ball again, I knew right away I had to do it. I’m excited to give back and help the young women of Greater Racine.”
Belle of the Ball 2022
Belle of the Ball, which is built solely on donations from the community, will be hosted by Express and held at the Goodland Montessori School, at 4800 Graceland Blvd., Racine. The free event will take place over two weekends:
Saturdays, March 5 and 12 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays, March 6 and 13, from noon – 5 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, but attendees are encouraged to book their appointments ahead of time to ensure they have enough time to shop. Book your appointment here.
Donations Currently Being Accepted
Express Employment Professionals is currently accepting donations for the event. In addition to prom dresses, Belle of the Ball – No Cost Boutique also offers shoes, accessories, and more for the perfect evening. Shoppers will also receive goody bags filled with items to help them get ready for the special evening.
Below is a list of items being accepted:
- Prom dresses
- Shoes
- Accessories (jewelry, hair accouterments, etc.)
- Shaving creams
- Razors
- Body sprays
- Lotions
- Brushes
- Nail files
- Soaps
- Deodorants
Donations can be dropped off at 1300 S. Green Bay Road, Suite 200 in Racine, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
About Express Employment Professionals
The Racine & Kenosha Express office is a franchise of Express Employment Professionals and is in the people business. Job seekers and client companies alike are helped to thrive and grow with Express. For more information, visit their website or contact Marley Uran, On-site and Marketing Director at 262-635-8580 or marley.uran@expresspros.com.
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