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pink changing lives
true to mary Kay’s philosophy of giving back and helping women create
the lives of their dreams, your support continues to enable the Company
and the mKaCF to make a difference.
by Andrea Querido
inside the dream helps students celebrate in style
The biggest night of the Mary Kay year is awards Night. It’s a time to
celebrate your accomplishments with exhilarating pride and the ultimate
in glamour. and for high school kids across the county, four years of
hard work and determination to succeed culminates into the biggest
night of their life: prom.
For those graduates who can’t afford the luxuries and extra expenses
that come with graduation and prom, a local program has come to their
rescue.
"Inside The Dream" is a non-profit, charitable organization run by
volunteers that aims to help underprivileged students, relying solely
on the community for donations and fundraising. Local corporations,
businesses and even residents donate gowns and suits, accessories
and shoes, allowing the graduates to look – and feel – their best on that
special night.
The program is the creation of Mississauga social worker Ruth
Renwick, who co-founded the organization with Trisha Waechter.
“I had a girl come to my office and she left crying because she didn’t
have anything to wear for graduation. So I offered her a dress from my
daughter’s closet. Then I thought, if she feels like this there might be
others in the same situation.”
The students, often referred to the program by their social worker or
guidance counselor, must register in advance for the event, which took
place on april 12th this year.
For the past six years, the Mississauga Convention Centre has donated
one of its event rooms to house the many racks of colourful chiffon,
satin and taffeta prom creations, as well as table upon table of stylish
shoes, marvelous makeup and fabulous fashion and hair accessories.
and that’s the just girls! boys are also treated to a personal shopping
experience with racks of suits, pants, ties and tables of shoes.
In addition to being paired with a volunteer personal shopper who
helps put their prom look together, girls are also treated to a hair and
makeup session, while on-site seamstresses make alterations to their
ensemble.
To top off their afternoon of prom shopping, each graduate has
their picture taken by a professional photographer to capture the
experience.
according to Sabrina Rego, 13, of brampton, Ont., who chose a pretty
in pink knee-length party dress, her "Inside The Dream" experience was
just what she needed to kick off her grade 8 graduation celebration.
“I tried on three or four dresses before I found this one. I really like
it because it’s pouffy so I can really dance around in it. I’m going to
choose my shoes and have my hair and makeup done next. It’s like a
day of pampering – and I’m missing school!”
32 Applause Summer 2010 www.marykay.ca
In years past, Mary Kay has supported "Inside The Dream" with
a product donation and letter from president Ray patrick. This year,
however, corporate decided to go one step further and request
donations from staff. and boy, did we deliver! Over a two week period,
corporate staff donated over 50 dresses, numerous pairs of shoes,
purses, accessories and even a few suits and ties.
For clothing drop-off volunteer and Mississauga real estate agent
bev McLean, donations like these hit close to home.
“I grew up in an orphanage so I know how it feels to be in this situation.
I remember having to wear this ugly bridesmaid dress to my grad and I
refused to have my picture taken the whole night,” she says. “So when
Ruth called me and asked for my help, I immediately said yes!”
With dedicated volunteers and corporations donating funds, clothing
and other event essentials, Ruth is proud that "Inside The Dream" has
become a beacon of hope for grads.
"It gives us great joy to be there for graduates at this special time in
their lives, so they’ll have fond memories of high school and have their
time to shine and celebrate all their hard work and accomplishments.
every student deserves this one night in their lives,” she says.
Thanks to the support of this wonderful program, the community
and corporate staff at Mary Kay, over 300 kids have had their dream of
celebrating their graduation in style come true.