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'Love That Dress!' Annual Shopping Spree Returns to Benefit PACE Center for Girls, Lee County

Aug 15, 2017 01:32PM ● By Kevin

Love That Dress!, celebrating its 9th year, is will benefit PACE Center for Girls-Lee. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 23 at The Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Estero.

"An estimated 800 fashionistas (and a few brave men) will stake their claim on thousands of new and gently loved dresses and accessories selling for nominal prices," the event's official website says. "Guests will also enjoy the event’s popular silent auction, camaraderie, and cocktails. Major sponsors will have access to the VIP shopping offering private dressing rooms, clothing hold, express check-out service, complimentary adult beverages and hors d’oeuvres and a private selection of decadent chocolates. In addition, White House Black Market is again the Title Sponsor, offering new dresses, accessories, shoes and handbags at unbelievable bargain prices."

There will be more than 4,000 new and gently used dresses, shoes, handbags and jewelry items for sale. Attendees also will enjoy music VIP access to early shopping begins at 5 p.m. VIP goodies are provided by the Prawnbroker Restaurant Group and Naples Flatbread & Wine Bar and a private selection of decadent sweets from Noela Chocolates.

Last year’s event raised more than $135,000 for PACE. Development manager of special projects for PACE Center for Girls, Lee County, Allyson Ross said they are hoping to exceed that number for 2017.

PACE is a non-residential program targeting the unique needs of girls, ages 11 to 18, facing challenges such as academic failure, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, foster care, neglect, death of a parent, family history of incarceration and declining grades. The organization's most recent outcome report shows that 86 percent of girls increased their academic performance and 94 percent had no involvement with the criminal justice system a year after transitioning from the day program.

Tickets are on sale now, by visiting the Love That Dress! website, and following the link for Lee County. General admission is $30, while VIP access is $150. Suite and sponsor opportunities have sold out.