April 2023
Executive Director's Message
Message from the Board Chair
Client Spotlights
Shop for Success - 4/13-4/15
Style for Hope Luncheon - Thank You!
Ladies Learning to Lead (L3) of Broward County Collaboration
Ulta Beauty Presentation - Professional Women's Group
Palm Beach Style 4 a Cause - Thank you
Ways to Support Us
Hello Supporters & Friends:

It’s hard to believe we’re entering the 2nd quarter of the year. Already we’ve accomplished so much and, given the crammed schedule ahead, I expect even more additions to our score card. Topping it all is the “Style for Hope” luncheon, which was a record-setter in so many ways.

More Sponsors than we’ve had in the past responded at higher giving levels than ever before.

Guests clearly appreciated the exceptional array of silent and chance auction prizes because that netted us a sizable sum. And, the generous pledges made for Circle of Impact membership plus general contributions sent us over the top, raising a total of $225,000 – an increase of 52% from the past year. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this epic success.

We saluted 15 women who completed our most recent “Road to Success” program with a “graduation luncheon.” Among this group, 8 have landed jobs. We’re now cranking up for the
next 6-week edition which begins June 7th . Jodi Cutler will step into the role of facilitator. With her background in education and as a recognized writer, producer, and international speaker, it
promises to be a rewarding experience for the women who enroll in it. Know someone who might benefit from this program of self-discovery and awareness of their worth? Please refer
her to us.

Next on our calendar of events is the April 13-15 th Shop for Success Pop-Up Sale. We’re hosting it in our Congress Avenue boutique which is bursting at the seams with clothing and
accessories, and the caliber of luxury brands is unlike anything we’ve offered before. Much of it is thanks to massive donations from various estates – an unexpected bounty for which we are
so grateful. For hours of the sale, click on dressforsuccesspb.org

Fulfilling my personal commitment to interact on a regular basis with volunteers, I’ve invited all for a “Wine Down Wednesday” on April 19th , 5:30 – 7 p.m. It will be not only a networking
opportunity but also a chance to meet our Board of Directors, hear more about upcoming programs and plans, and exchange ideas. Immediately preceding the social hour, we’ll be meeting with volunteers who are interested in becoming community ambassadors as we form our first ever Speakers Bureau. We’re recruiting for this group to answer the numerous requests we receive to speak to organizations, civic clubs, classrooms, and other groups who’ve expressed an interest in Dress for Success and the work we do. Please feel free to join us for these back-to-back initiatives.

Upcoming on Wednesday, May 3rd, we’ll be celebrating the 2nd anniversary of our Belle Glade location. It was a gutsy move to open during the pandemic, but gradually our presence there has been having an impact as we increase the number of women we serve. Stay tuned for more details on this event in the Glades.
So, yes. Lots accomplished. Lots more ahead. And all made possible by you and your support – the dollars, the time, the ideas, and feedback you provide, the words of encouragement.

Thank you.
Joe Ann Fletcher, M.Ed., ABD
Executive Director

Dress for Success Palm Beaches
2459 S Congress Ave, Suite 204
Palm Springs, FL 33406
(561) 249-3898 (Office)
(954) 263-1984 (Cell)
Dear volunteers, staff, and supporters,

As I step down from my position as Board Chair, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made together. Over the last 3+ years, we have achieved a lot as an organization, and I am proud to have been part of this journey.

I am particularly pleased with the steps we took to strengthen our organization. We successfully established a business advisory council, which has provided valuable insights and expertise in navigating the ever-changing landscape of the business world. This has helped us to create new partnerships and attract new sponsors, leading to increased financial support and greater awareness of our mission. This also led to us having our most successful Shop for Success Sale and Style for Hope luncheon in the history of our organization.

I am also proud of the diverse backgrounds and perspectives we have brought to our board. By expanding our membership and including individuals from various fields, we have enriched our organization with new ideas and approaches. This has enabled us to better serve our community and empower more women to achieve their goals.

Finally, we all faced unique challenges in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. But despite these difficulties, we remained steadfast in our commitment to our mission. We adapted to new ways of working and continued to support women in need during those challenging times.

As I step down, I am confident that Dress for Success Palm Beaches will continue to thrive and make a positive impact in the community. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and the organization during my time as Board Chair, and I look forward to continuing to support Dress for Success Palm Beaches as a Board Member in any way I can.

Keep an eye out for next month's newsletter where we will introduce our new Board Chair, Bridjette Shelfo. Congratulations, Bridjette!

 
Thank you,

Pam Rada
Thank You to Everyone for Joining us at Style for Hope
A Historic Success!

YOU! Yes, you, dear friend, helped Dress for Success surpass its previous “Style for Hope” luncheon undertakings as we raised more than $225,000 from the March 10th event at the Kravis Center!
The on-stage conversation with “Style Icon” honorees Mark Badgley and James Mischka and our emcee, Shannon Cake from WPTV News 5, was at once engaging and entertaining.
 
On-the-spot financial pledges were overwhelmingly generous as audience members personally heard from 2 of the more than 600 women who have benefitted from DFSPB services the past year. Bravely sharing their own experiences, their video presentations underscored how the organization goes far beyond simply providing job interview clothing, helping women overcome hardships, boosting their confidence, and leading them to realize their self-worth.
 
We are deeply grateful to those who joined us and to all donors, sponsors, volunteers, grant funders, and partner agencies!
 
YOU helped us raise the dollars. YOU helped us raise the bar. YOU helped us reach this historic success. THANK YOU.
Ladies Learning to Lead (L3) of Broward County Collaboration
On Friday, March 24th, Ladies Learning to Lead (L3) of Broward County and Dress for Success Palm Beaches collaborated to provide future young women leaders of our community with a guided approach to the work world by teaching resume building, strategies for self-care, and how to dress for success. Hosted in our boutique, the participants were uniquely “tested” on what they learned from the session, having to select an interview wardrobe based on an Indeed.com job profile and then dress a display mannequin in those choices. Capping the program, each attendee was paired with a DFS personal stylist who helped her find an appropriate head-to-toe interview outfit of her own. This Spring Break project was a huge hit and is likely to become an annual event!
Ulta Beauty Presentation - Professional Women's Group
On March 25th, Ulta Beauty, a DFS National partner, presented a memorable program for our Professional Women’s Group. Vivian Cruz, Ulta’s District Manager, brought her incredible team of makeup artists, skincare specialists, and hair care technicians to speak about image and beauty. Three Ulta staff members discussed their personal journeys to achieve their current positions in the 93% women-led company. They talked about how Ulta promotes an open, communicative environment that challenges employees to always go beyond their first thought and encourages respect in the workplace. PWG attendees were impressed to hear firsthand about Ulta’s positive business model and its interactive approach to self-care. Special thanks to Andrene Williams and Clinique for the beauty cases and products provided.
Palm Beach Style 4 a Cause Sip & Shop Raised over $13,000!
A special thank you to Jennifer Parker of Style 4 a Cause for hosting an amazing lunch, fashion show, and sip and shop sponsored by Cotes de Femme.

The event raised over $13,000 for our programs. Thank you to all who attended.
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.
Company Matching Grants
Many organizations offer a company match program for donations made by their employees to nonprofit organizations, and some even offer volunteer grants. If your employer offers such programs, please consider requesting a donation to Dress for Success Palm Beaches.

Charitable Bequest
Leave a legacy! Please consider adding a charitable bequest to our organization to your will. Be sure to designate our organization by our full name: Dress for Success Palm Beaches.
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.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS PALM BEACHES