Flair Cleaners in Valencia is partnering with Becca’s Closet, a nonprofit that provides prom attire to local high school students who can’t afford to buy it themselves, to host “Flair Cares Prom Dress Collection” until April 30.
“We are so honored by Flair Cleaners and are thankful for their commitment to changing the lives of young ladies,” said Marsha Garnett, director of the L.A. chapter of Becca’s Closet.
They’re looking for appropriate formal dresses of all sizes and styles that are either new or gently worn and accessories like shoes, jewelry and small purses.
“This helps young women who otherwise may not have been able to afford gowns, which is something that people kind of take for granted at times,” said Gary Futterman, owner of Flair Cleaners. “Whether it’s prom dresses, they were bridesmaids or they went to a nice party, a lot of people have dresses that are only worn once and then sit in their closets forgotten.”
Customers and members of the community can bring donations to any of their Southern California locations.
“We’ve only been doing it for about a week so far, but we’ve already got 21 dresses here (in Valencia),” Futterman said. “We’re hoping to end up with a few hundred dresses by the time the month is over.”
Flair Cleaners will also dry clean all garments donated before delivering them to Becca’s Closet, according to Futterman.
Becca’s Closet is a national organization dedicated to collecting and distributing as many prom dresses as possible to high school girls with financial need. They reach out to all the “Title 1” schools, which are typically in low-income areas.
“It’s really important to provide people a platform to give back,” Garnett said. “Giving away dresses doesn’t sound important, but it’s so much more than that and goes beyond just prom. It’s about giving these young ladies confidence, building their self-esteem and empowering them to achieve personal success.”
According to Garnett, the dresses donated by Flair Cleaners will be used in their last two dress giveaway events of the year.
“We don’t turn anyone away — every young lady that comes into the room who wants a dress gets a dress,” Garnett said.
At each event, 100 to 200 young ladies not only get help from stylists to pick their dresses but also have the opportunity to get tips on etiquette and get hair and makeup tutorials.
Becca’s Closet hopes to donate 5,000 dresses in Southern California this year, and according to Garnett, there have already been over 700 recipients thus far.
“They’re an incredible organization and do a lot of good for the community,” Futterman said.
Flair Cleaners is located at 27011 McBean Parkway in Valencia. For more information, visit flaircleaners.com/flair-cares-prom-dress-collection-april-1-30/ or call 661-753-9900. To learn more about Becca’s Closet, visit beccascloset.org/.
