Dress for Success launches '31 Days of Women In Power' campaign
Feb. 7—WILKES-BARRE — Linda Loop, founder/CEO of Dress for Success Luzerne County, announced Monday the recent launch of "The 31 Days of Women In Power" campaign.
This is the second year for the campaign which benefits Dress for Success Luzerne County and is in partnership with the Greater Wyoming Valley Women's Network.
Loop said individuals, organizations and businesses are invited to choose a donation level to highlight a woman or their organization's women. There are 31 total slots available. As of Feb. 4, seven slots are currently filled with 24 remaining.
"The campaign is built on empowering women," said Holly Pilcavage of Coal Creative and campaign chair. "We understand there is an important ripple effect that occurs when women are supported. This campaign is highlighting women all throughout Luzerne County — especially those that always don't get the spotlight they deserve."
All proceeds raised go to Dress For Success Luzerne County, which is the next layer of this ripple effect.
"Those of us, and our organizations and businesses, that are able to give back will be directly impacting the women who benefit from the services provided by Dress for Success Luzerne County," Pilcavage said.
The campaign is also tied to the International Women's Day Luncheon, set for Friday, March 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westmoreland Club. The luncheon will feature Keynote Speaker Kira Kinsman.
More details on the Luncheon can be found at the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce website at — tinyurl.com/2t99s3t5.
"The luncheon gives the community the opportunity to come together, take a moment and celebrate all the wonderful things the women of our area have accomplished," Loop said. "It also makes us call to mind the women who still may be struggling to raise families and who could use a big sister to help them negotiate their career development. We are honored by our partnership with the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce."
The campaign committee would like to thank the in-kind sponsors of the campaign, who are helping bring the campaign to life: Brittany Boote Photography, Lamar Advertising, Times Leader, Coal Creative, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber, and Axelrad Screen Printing. The committee also thanks Media Sponsors: WBRE/WYOU / PA Live! and the Times Leader.
The Woman In Power Committee Members consist of:
—Holly K. Pilcavage, Campaign Committee Chair, Coal Creative
—Linda Armstrong, Dress for Success Luzerne County
—Sam O'Connell, Coal Creative —Jessica Cronauer, Leadership Wilkes Barre
—Amber Loomis, Osterhout Library
—Rachel Malak, PA Live!
—Shelby Monk, Diamond City Partnership —Michaela Benczkowski, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber
—Melissa Wassle, Luzerne County Community College
—Michelle Pack, Blu Door Financial
—Stephanie Wasmanski, Wilkes University
About Dress for Success
Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers 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.
Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to nearly 150 cities in 30 countries.
To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 1,750,000 women work towards self-sufficiency.
Since Dress for Success Luzerne County became operational in December 2010, the program has reached 2,000 economically challenged women from the area by providing clothing, job interview support and workforce guidance.
Dress for Success Luzerne County continues to create programs to enhance economic and social development, encouraging self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention.
Visit luzernecounty.dressforsuccess.org to learn more.
Dress for Success Luzerne County relies on the generosity of the community it serves — this usually means donated clothing.
However, Loops said as the pandemic has given many people the opportunity to clean out their closets, the agency is inundated with clothing.
Individuals wishing to donate clothing items are asked to limit their donation to no more than five pieces at a time.
The organization respectfully request that potential donors thoroughly inspect their items for appropriateness, cleanliness, and age.
Dress for Success can't use anything over five years old. If you would not wear it for an important interview — we won't either.
It is asked that you consider that the average age of the women is 25 to 35 years old.
An appointment must be made to drop off any donations.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
