NEWS RELEASE
DRESS FOR SUCCESS BARRIE AND ORILLIA
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If you like bling, we’ve got it on for you.
Come out to this fundraiser and get your hands on some exclusive designer jewellery and many other prizes, such as tickets to the Michelle Obama speaking tour, tickets to an Elton John concert at TD Centre Boston, and tickets to the Teresa Caputo Long Island Medium show at Casino Rama.
Layne Way the Auctionista brings a zing to the bling and gets everyone going as she hosts the live auction on Thursday, April 11, at St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia.
The Auctionista is one of three Benefit Auctioneer Specialists (BAS) graduates in Canada, and among the less than one percent of auctioneers in North America with this specialized training.
“She is a hoot,” said Linda Reid, executive director DfS, adding, “We’ve got something for everyone who wants to come out and join in the fun. It’s all going towards helping us bring our programs and services to the women in the community.”
The not-for-profit works in the community to help uplift and encourage women who have not been in the workforce and are looking to get back on their feet, she said.
“We find ways of giving women the ability to make connections and gaining skills that can help them find work and keep it, too,” said Reid.
And some of them come right back to DfS, she said.
“Dress for Success gave me the confidence to overcome obstacles related to finding and keeping my job,” said Filomena Gala, who now works as boutique coordinator for the organization. "They were always there when I needed to talk things out.”
Through DfS, women can take advantage of three programs.
The Signature Suiting Program provides two free outfits to women who have secured job interviews, and up to five outfits once they have secured a job. Participants in this program must be sent by an employment agency or employer.
The Breakfast Club runs for nine weeks, and as a pre-employment program, it helps motivate women to continue their job search. Participants set goals, take part in personality assessment, learn from volunteer facilitators about skills, such as communications, resume building, social media etiquettes, and even mindful meditation.
The Professional Women’s Group helps women gain a deeper understanding of the work place and give them a morale boost, which will help retain employment. It will also help grow their careers with support from volunteer mentors and peers.
“We’ve always sought support and backing from the community,” said Reid, talking about the significance of holding events in the area. “And people have always stepped up to show us how much they care about the prosperity of women in the community.”
Tickets for Bring on the Bling are available at Fashion Therapy in downtown Orillia, or online.
For more information about our programs and how to volunteer, contact Reid at 705-252-9200 or via email at [email protected].
Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
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