26 January, 2011
The basement of the O’Loughlin home in Hopkinton is draped with an assortment of formal gowns and dresses as the Leos -- along with members of the HPTA -- prep for this year’s Perfect Dress fundraiser. Brittany O’Loughlin, Leos President, and her friends admire a few personal favorites: a fuchsia, full-length column dress with delicate beading, a black and white graphic strapless mini with a bubble skirt, and a sequined, teal ball gown worthy of any prom queen.
On February 12th, women and teenagers looking for their perfect dress can purchase one of these new or nearly new frocks for $20-$40 in a sale that drastically cuts the high cost of attending a formal event and benefits a worthy cause in the process. The Perfect Dress event is being held at Hopkinton Middle School from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit the HPTA and its efforts to enrich the educational experience for Hopkinton’s students, as well as the H.S. Leos Club and their focus on community service.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing number of new and nearly new dresses we’ve been able to collect for this event,” said Hopkinton resident and HPTA member, Jane Wojcik, who is helping to organize the event. “We have lots of gorgeous dresses this year. There really is going to be something for everyone.”
Now in its fourth year, The Perfect Dress is the starting point for anyone looking for formalwear for a prom, wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, cotillion, school dance, cruise, or other dressy event. The Perfect Dress features more than 200 new and nearly new dresses of all sizes and colors that have been collected over the past several weeks by the Leos and HPTA volunteers.
More than half the dresses are brand new with tags still on, and, in some cases, the price reflects a more than 90 percent savings off the original ticketed price of $200 to $400. “We’ve received over 100 sample prom and formal gowns from some local boutiques for this year’s sale,” said O’Loughlin. These days, the total cost of attending a prom can run as high as $1,500, according to web site www.prom-night.com. Being able to significantly save on the most expensive item – the dress – can be a huge cost savings.
“In the past, there were a terrific number of attendees coming from outside of Hopkinton,” Wojcik said. “We’re really encouraging shoppers from other towns to come in and find their Perfect Dress.” Attendees have come from as far away as the North Shore in previous years.
Several local artisans and vendors will also have tables selling jewelry, handbags and wraps. Hopkinton seamstress Mary Byrnes will also be in attendance to help with alterations consultations.
“Everyone who has gotten a sneak peek at the selection of dresses we have collected has been amazed. If you need a dress for any occasion, The Perfect Dress event is definitely the place to come,” O’Loughlin said.
The snow date for The Perfect Dress is February 19. Anyone still wishing to donate a dress can make their tax-deductible donation at Platinum Day Spa (77 West Main St, Hopkinton) or at Threads (1 Claflin Commons, Hopkinton).
To see the HCAM News video with members of the HHS Leo Club Click Here.
What: The Perfect Dress
When: Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Get there early for the best selection! Snow date: Feb. 19, 10-2.
Where: Hopkinton Middle School cafeteria, 88 Hayden Rowe St. (Route 85)
The Goods: New and nearly new gowns and dressy dresses, sold at $20-$40; accessories at similar savings
Other highlights: Vendors selling jewelry, wraps and handbags; alterations consultant.
Beneficiaries: Hopkinton PTA and the Hopkinton HS Leos Club
Contact: Jane Wojcik 508-435-9425 or jane.wojcik@yahoo.com
