When the work of 11 talented local designers hits the catwalk at Dress for Success Quad Cities Recycle the Runway, there will be more at stake than the top $700 prize to the winner.
The success of the women’s empowerment organization’s biggest annual fundraising gala — set for Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Bettendorf’s Waterfront Convention Center — is critical as the agency seeks to raise the money it needs to continue to grow its programs and widen its reach.
That work is essential to “Planting Seeds of Success” — the event’s tagline — and it’s important to Recycle the Runway’s Platinum Sponsor Royal Neighbors of America. The Rock Island-based fraternal benefits society has supported the Dress for Success’ mission since it launched in 2011.
“It has been inspiring to witness their evolution and expansion,” Amy Jones, Royal Neighbors senior director of social impact, told the QCBJ. “Their new, reenergized, and holistic programs are a powerful testament to their commitment to not only helping women secure employment, but also fostering their long-term professional growth,” she added.
“We believe Dress for Success is uniquely positioned to address the diverse challenges women face today,” Ms. Jones said. “Our shared mission to empower women is at the heart of everything we do, and we are excited to continue supporting their efforts as they reach more women across different communities and elevate the potential of each individual they serve.”
Added Dress for Success Board President Chris Papke, “I think supporting Dress for Success is what’s going to help us move our community forward. When you have successful women, you have successful families.”
Participants give back
This year’s Recycle the Runway also boasts more than double the number of designers who participated in past shows. Two of the women who are collaborating to create one of the featured ensembles — Tina Manley and Jennifer Crawford — were not only helped by Dress for Success they now serve on its board of directors.
Ms. Crawford said she was going through some life changes when she signed up for the suiting program in 2016. “I was starting a new job that required more than jeans and T-shirts. I was blessed with a week’s worth of clothing,” she told the QCBJ.
In addition, she said, “The volunteers made me feel like I mattered, that I was special. They also told me about a program where you could learn about how to be successful in the workplace.”
Ms. Crawford quickly got hooked on the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), a separate program of Dress for Success. “I met ladies from all over the Quad Cities that became my sisters, my family,” she said. “I would not have met them if it had not been for this program.”
Later, Ms. Crawford was selected to represent the Quad Cities at a Dress for Success worldwide event in 2018. There, she said, “ladies from chapters of Dress for Success around the world came together to better serve their communities.” The women also were charged with coming back to their communities to pay it forward. The project she created — “Know Your Worth x2” — was designed to help Argrow’s House of Healing.
“This program and Dress for Success QC have given me so much confidence, my self worth and so much more,” Ms. Crawford said. “The reason for signing up to be a designer this year was to give back to my sisters of PWG and to honor past, present, and future ladies.”
Ms. Manley shares Ms. Crawford’s passion for Dress for Success by raising funds and supporting Recycle the Runway and sharing how it helped her through the Professional Women’s Group success summit projects and fundraising. She is partnering with Ms. Crawford to enter this year’s Recycle the Runway because, Ms. Manley said, it is important to demonstrate to other women what Dress has done for them and other program graduates.
She added, too, “When I asked to join the board, that was my opportunity to give back or pay it forward for future ladies. I want them to have amazing experiences and create those relationships that will last a lifetime.”
Serious cause, fun event
While the reason behind Recycle the Runway is serious, the night is focused on fun, sisterhood and entertainment.
Designers who participate must use items from bags of clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. They were filled by Dress for Success volunteers and chosen from items donated by generous Quad Citians. Designers are given six weeks to create a “runway-ready” outfit. They also can add such things as zippers, buttons, tulle, etc., but at least 65% of their final design must come from the bag’s items. Ensembles are judged on craftsmanship, quality, creativity, overall head-to-toe presentation, and stage presence.
The night’s three top designers who will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges will win cash awards, including $700 for first place.
In addition to the fashion show, the evening features a Silent Auction, Wine Pull, and more.
All of the night’s proceeds will go to providing free job-search assistance, group workshops, career coaching, and professional clothing for women in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois searching for full-time employment, transitioning into a new industry, or working to advance their careers.
For ticket information visit dressforsuccessqc.org and click on the Recycle the Runway tab.
RECYCLE AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Recycle the Runway, Planting Seeds of Success.
WHEN: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16.
WHERE: Waterfront Convention Center, Bettendorf.
TICKETS: Visit dressforsucessqc.org, click on the Recycle the Runway to buy tickets. Price is $75 a person or $550 for a table of eight.
ABOUT: Dress for Success Quad Cities is one of 153 affiliates around the globe. Collectively, it has served more than 1 million women worldwide with business-appropriate clothing, job-search support, mentoring and professional development programs.
