The latest news from Dress for Success Palm Beaches

January 2021

Happy New Year!

They say that hind sight is 20 / 20, and that statement has never held more meaning! Despite the many challenges we faced, I am proud to say that we continue to offer many services to women in our community; some in person, some virtually. But we are forging ahead just the same.

As we do each year, we spent time earlier this month with our Board of Directors in a planning session for 2021. As it was last year, our number one priority is to increase the number of women that we serve. We are looking at enhancing the services that we offer, but we are also targeting new and better ways to ensure that all of the women who could use our services know that we are here, poised and ready to assist them.

Another major focus for us was fundraising. You have likely guessed by now that we will not be holding our annual Style for Hope Luncheon in March. At this point, we are looking to hold the luncheon in the fall, if at all. Given that our luncheon was our largest fundraising event, we will be looking for other ways to compensate for the lost income. One area of focus for us will be to expand our Circle of Impact. For a minimum donation of $1,000 annually, you can become a member and help us serve the more than 600 women every year with services that include suiting, career coaching, mentoring, and job readiness courses. Members are acknowledged for their generosity with their names appearing on a distinctive plaque at our headquarters, plus they enjoy several exclusive perks throughout the year.

Here’s to a happier, healthier, more hopeful 2021! Thank you for continuing along on this journey with us!

Mary Hart

Executive Director

Board Member - Bridjette Shelfo

Bridjette Shelfo joins Dress for Success Palm Beaches effective January, 2021. She has dedicated her career to helping others thrive through various companies in both the news and homebuilding industries. She serves as the Vice President of Sales for PulteGroup in Southeast Florida, leading the Sales operations for ten Pulte, DiVosta and Del Webb communities from Broward County to Indian River County.

Read more about Bridjette here

Thank You Scripps Howard Foundation

Dress for Success Palm Beaches is pleased to announce that it is a recipient of a grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation. This gift enables us to continue providing life changing programs and services to women so that they can stabilize their financial situation during this unprecedented year of a global health and economic crisis.

Learn more about the Foundation on its Facebook page.

Clothing donations are being accepted by appointment only on Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that for the health, safety and welfare of our staff, clients, and volunteers, we cannot make exceptions to our donation procedures during the current coronavirus pandemic. We appreciate your understanding.

To ensure our clients look and feel their best, we ask that donated items be freshly dry-cleaned or laundered, ironed, on hangers, and not more than four-years-old. Donations should be work-appropriate and suitable for job interviews. Once a client is hired, we invite her back to receive a full week of professional clothing. All items are provided free to our clients and no one pays a fee. We are able to provide this service because of the generosity of our community.

To make an appointment, please call us at 561.249.3898

Help Ensure Our Future

In addition to clothing and financial donations, supporting our fundraising events, and volunteering at our organization, below are some other ways you can support us and help ensure our future:

Shop AmazonSmile and Support Us

When you shop on AmazonSmile. a portion of your proceeds will be donated directly to our Dress for Success Palm Beaches affiliate. AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, its foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. Click here to shop.

Help Ensure Our Future by Becoming a Member of the Circle of Impact

Our Circle of Impact is a select group of current and former business leaders who have pledged an annual minimum donation of $1,000. Members are acknowledged for their generosity, their names appearing on a distinctive plaque at our headquarters, plus they enjoy several exclusive perks throughout the year. View our flyer here for more information or to donate, please visit our website.

Charitable Bequest

Please consider adding a charitable bequest to our organization to your will.

Did You Know?

If you typically do not itemize your deductions on your tax return, we have good news! The CARES Act has made some changes this year that may allow your donations to be tax deductible in 2020!

Here's how the CARES Act changes deducting charitable contributions made in 2020:

Previously, charitable contributions could only be deducted if taxpayers itemized their deductions.

However, taxpayers who don't itemize deductions may take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made in 2020 to qualifying organizations. For the purposes of this deduction, qualifying organizations are those that are religious, charitable, educational, scientific or literary in purpose. The law changed in this area due to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

The CARES Act also temporarily suspends limits on charitable contributions and temporarily increases limits on contributions of food inventory. More information about these changes is available on IRS.gov.

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YES is currently scheduling virtual events. Please follow our Facebook page for updates!

Y.E.S! Palm Beaches

Y.E.S! Palm Beaches is a group of professional women looking to make powerful connections with other women while making a positive impact on disadvantaged women in our community. Our group enjoys fun, and stylish events that make a difference. All funds raised directly support Dress for Success Palm Beaches.

Y.E.S! Goals:

· To provide a new volunteer opportunity for individuals seeking social networking opportunities

· To raise awareness in Palm Beach County about the mission and services of Dress for Success Palm Beaches

· To raise funds to support Dress for Success Palm Beaches’ programs

· To have fun!

For more information and to become a member of Y.E.S! Palm Beaches visit their Facebook page click here or email yes.dfspb@gmail.com

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DRESS FOR SUCCESS PALM BEACHES INC IS A 501(C)3. FL SOLICITATION #CH34892A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELPFLA, OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.