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Dress for Success to celebrate 25 years at annual fashion show fundraiser

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Dress for Success to celebrate 25 years at annual fashion show fundraiser
  • Dress for Success celebrates its 25th anniversary with annual fashion shows and galas organized by various chapters to raise funds and celebrate their mission of empowering women through economic independence.
  • The organization provides crucial services like professional attire, career development tools, and a supportive network to help women transition from challenging circumstances into the workforce, significantly impacting their lives.
  • Dress for Success chapters in Cincinnati and Brookhaven held noteworthy events, with Cincinnati hosting a fashion show featuring Ohio-based designer Gerardo Encinas and Brookhaven unveiling a new Mobile Career Center, showcasing their ongoing commitment to women's economic empowerment.

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A Quarter Century of Empowering Women: Dress for Success Marks Milestone with Glamorous Event

Dress for Success, a global non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women through employment, celebrated a significant milestone this year – 25 years of service. To commemorate this achievement, various chapters of Dress for Success organized annual fashion shows across different cities, each event designed to both honor their journey and raise funds for their mission. In this article, we delve into the celebrations of Dress for Success chapters in Cincinnati and Brookhaven, highlighting the role these events play in supporting women’s economic independence.

Empowering Women for a Quarter Century

Founded in 1997 in New York City, Dress for Success has grown into an international network with chapters spanning across the globe. The organization’s mission is to promote economic independence for women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools.

Dress for Success Cincinnati: A Silver Anniversary Celebration

In Cincinnati, Dress for Success celebrated its silver anniversary with a grand fashion show event. The 25th Anniversary Fashion Show, sponsored by Kerry Automotive Group, was held at the Cincinnati Museum Center. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked a significant milestone for the chapter, which has been providing services to women in need for a quarter century.

The fashion show featured a fabulous Ohio-based designer, Gerardo Encinas, showcasing his latest collection. The event included dinner-by-the-bite and a complimentary bar, making it a night to remember for all attendees. Individual tickets were available for purchase, offering admission to the fashion show, dinner, and the bar. Sponsorship opportunities ranged from $25,000 for the presenting sponsor to $500 for patrons.

Dress for Success Brookhaven: A Beacon of Hope

In Brookhaven, New York, Dress for Success celebrated 25 years of empowering women with their annual gala. The event, held on June 5, was a night of inspiration and celebration as it honored the chapter’s dedication to providing life-changing services to women across Long Island.

The gala included the unveiling of the new Dress for Success Mobile Career Center, which will deliver services directly to women throughout the region. The event also recognized distinguished honorees Victoria Schneps Yunis and Karla Waldron for their impact and humanitarian efforts, respectively.

Dress for Success Brookhaven has been instrumental in helping thousands of women achieve financial security and personal success. Established in 1999 with the support of the Town of Brookhaven and over 50 volunteers, the chapter has been a beacon of hope for job-ready women referred by local non-profit organizations such as domestic violence agencies and homeless shelters.

The Impact of Dress for Success

Dress for Success chapters around the world have made a profound impact on the lives of countless women. By providing professional attire, career development tools, and a network of support, these organizations have transformed women’s lives.

  • Professional Attire: Each client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return when she finds work to receive a week’s worth of clothing. This simple yet crucial service helps women present themselves confidently and professionally, increasing their chances of securing employment.
  • Career Development Tools: Dress for Success offers a range of tools designed to help women thrive in their careers. These tools include resume building, interview preparation, and job search assistance.
  • Network of Support: The organization provides a supportive community where women can share their experiences, receive guidance, and find encouragement. This network is particularly important for women who may be transitioning from difficult situations such as domestic violence or homelessness.

Celebrating Success: The Fashion Shows

The annual fashion shows organized by Dress for Success chapters are not just glamorous events; they are also significant fundraisers that support the organization’s mission. These events bring together partners, clients, and special guests for an evening of inspiration, reflection, and celebration.

  • Brookhaven’s Gala: Held at Giorgio’s Baiting Hollow, the gala featured an unveiling of the new mobile career center and honored Victoria Schneps Yunis and Karla Waldron. The event was designed to raise funds for programs supporting women in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
  • Cincinnati’s Fashion Show: Hosted at the Cincinnati Museum Center, this event showcased Ohio-based designer Gerardo Encinas. It included dinner-by-the-bite and a complimentary bar, making it an unforgettable night for all attendees.

A Future of Empowerment

As Dress for Success celebrates its 25th year, it is clear that the organization’s impact will continue to be felt for years to come. The annual fashion shows are just one example of how they are not only celebrating their journey but also raising funds to support their mission.

In the words of Dress for Success Brookhaven: "Dress for Success is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering women to achieve economic independence. Established in 1999, we have been instrumental in helping thousands of women achieve financial security and personal success. Our mission is to promote the economic independence of women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

As we celebrate this milestone, it is essential to recognize the hard work and dedication of all those involved with Dress for Success. From volunteers to sponsors, each individual plays a crucial role in empowering women across the globe.


Dress for Success chapters around the world continue to inspire and empower women, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards economic independence. The annual fashion shows not only celebrate this achievement but also serve as a testament to the organization’s enduring commitment to supporting women’s careers and lives. As we look forward to another quarter century of service, one thing is clear: Dress for Success will remain a beacon of hope for women everywhere.

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