May 2021 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER 21
Charbonneau Women ’ s Association
By LYNDA HUBER MARSHALL AND LEE HARKER
New board members elected
HARKER
HUBER MARSHALL
This month ’ s Villager theme regarding mothers could not have been more fitting for our April program presented by Abby and Sally Egland , co-founders of Abby ’ s Closet .
Truly , a wonderful mother-daughter story . Their story began in 2004 when Abby was leaving for college and wanted to ensure her favorite pink prom dress could still bring joy to someone else and give the dress the
opportunity to dance again .
Founding Abby ’ s Closet with her mom Sally , the 17-year-old nonprofit has hosted more than a decade of Prom Dress Giveaways for over 30,000 students from more than 250 schools in Oregon and Southwest Washington .
The spirit and mission of Abby ’ s Closet is to make the girls feel accepted , beautiful and confident . The event held in the spring in a 60,000 squarefoot space at the Oregon Convention Center holds 7,000 dresses and gowns donated from around the country . The magic begins as the girls try on the dresses . They stood taller , twirled around , feeling accepted , beautiful and confident . Many for the first time . Just as they were ready to have their Portland event last March , they had to cancel due to the pandemic .
The organization , with their Sharing the Love project , serves underserved communities in Oregon and Washington that are too far away for the girls to come into Portland for the event . The volunteers packed 2,500 dresses in nice boxes including some surprises like special feel-good cards ,
A poem from an unknown author :
Whene ’ er you find a happy home With smiling faces in it , Where loving hearts and busy hands Are speeding every minute ; Where everyone is quite content With one thing or another , You ’ ll know there lies within that home A wise and loving mother .
sample make-up , nail polish and accessories . These boxes were delivered to 19 schools for distribution . They believe in education and have established a student advisory board where students can get involved with Abby ’ s Closet and learn about nonprofits . They have also set up scholarships for high school seniors .
This year , our own Darlene Crosby and Lee Harker will assist with judging the applicants . There are five ways you can get involved :
� Subscribe to Abby ’ s Closet to receive their monthly newsletter for more information at www . abbyscloset . org .
� Follow them on social media @ abbysclosetpdx .
� As a business owner , become a drop-off site for collection of dresses or sponsor the next year ’ s event .
� Donate a dress , short or long , either you , your daughter , or granddaughter might have that you want to share or purchase new . They especially need size 15 and above . They also accept prom appropriate shoes , sparkling jewelry and formal handbags .
� Make a contribution to Abby ’ s Closet in funds or time volunteering .
The nonprofit works with other nonprofits and corporate sponsors , which they are very thankful for . If you missed the meeting , go to our website to see the program , especially the well-produced video . I had tears in my eyes .
This month , our new board for 2021- 22 was elected . They are as follows : president Lynda Huber-Marshall , past-president Lee Harker , first vice president of programs Arlene Kraft , Jackie Murdoch and Sandy Shaner , decorations Kathy Fuller and Darlene Crosby , memberships Cathy Renken and Paula Johnson , treasurer Lindy
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