Empow(her) Weekend Power Party Host Packet. Dear Host/Hostess,

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1 Empow(her) Weekend Power Party Host Packet Dear Host/Hostess, Thank you so much for hosting a Power Party during our first annual Empow(her) Weekend! We hope that you and your party guests have a wonderful time celebrating women s empowerment. You will be joining others all over the Greater Boston Area who are passionate about helping women in our community. This packet is filled with information that will aid you in hosting an amazing party! If you have any further questions please don t hesitate to contact Brianna Raab at inventory@dfsboston.org or Courtney Gately at volunteer@dfsboston.org Information about Dress for Success: Listed below is information about Dress for Success, the programs that we run, and ways that you and your guests can get involved! Please be sure to inform your guests of these points so they can have a better understanding of the ways in which we serve the community. Dress for Success Boston is an affiliate of the worldwide organization, which currently has over 130 affiliates in over 16 different countries. Since Dress for Success Boston has opened its doors in 2001 we have served almost 10,000 women in our community. The mission of Dress for Success Boston is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. The main goal of Dress for Success Boston is to help low income women transition into the workforce. We achieve this in two specific ways (1) by providing interview-appropriate clothing and (2) by offering job search and retention services. The three programs that support these activities are: The Suiting Program The Professional Women s Group Program The Career Center The Suiting Program: Clients are referred to us from various human service agencies including but not limited to homeless shelters, welfare to work agencies, domestic violence shelters, prison early release programs, to name a few. Each woman receives one suit for an interview; once she obtains a job, she receives up to a week s worth of business apparel. All outfits are free of charge to our clients and are theirs to keep. Our clients receive one-on-one assistance from trained, volunteer personal shoppers who help select an appropriate suit, shoes, and accessories for a professional environment. Dress for Success Boston volunteers gently guide the clients through the selection process, making recommendations and educating them on workplace expectations. The Professional Women s Group: The Professional Women's Group (PWG) is an invitation-only networking association for Dress for Success Boston clients who have recently entered the workforce, some for the first time. The PWG encourages employment retention and career development by

2 providing a safe environment for women to network with other women, build professional skills, and learn how to advance in their jobs. The Career Center: The Career Center promotes confidence and professionalism by providing clients with the career guidance, technology skills and job-seeking support. The Career Center is open to all clients of Dress for Success Boston, and includes an internet accessible computer lab with cutting edge job-placement software and a Lending Library of continuing education information. Ways to get involved: Volunteer- Our volunteers are the heart of Dress for Success Boston, and play a key role in enabling us to fulfill our mission to empower women. We match volunteer s skill and availability with our needs to create a strong, effective partnership. Join the Y.E.S! Group- Give back to the community! For a $50 annual donation, you will receive discounted tickets to certain events, and join a group of executives from the Greater Boston area in volunteering, and raising funds and awareness for Dress for Success Boston. Host a Friend Raiser- Invite friends and family to your home to learn more about what we do at Dress for Success Boston. The Executive Director, Co-Founders and/or Board Member will attend to speak about the organization, to raise awareness about the work we do. Organize a Fundraiser or Clothing Drive- Plan an event to raise funds or collect items for Dress for Success Boston. Please contact us well in advance for guidelines, etc. Make a financial contribution- Donations of time and clothing enable us to do this work to help women realize their dreams of finical self-sufficiency. However, financial support is necessary for the organization to run effectively. Monetary donations are always welcome!

3 Are you interested in getting involved? Please leave your name and and we will add you to The Dress for Success Boston mailing list! If you would like to volunteer please and if you would like to make a clothing donation inventory@dfsboston.org. Thank you for the support! Name

4 Empow(her) Weekend Power Party FAQ Sheet Can I collect clothing and accessories during my Power Party? We are thrilled that you are thinking of more ways to support Dress for Success Boston! However due to inventory needs changing on a weekly basis, the focus of our Empow(her) Weekend is reaching our goal of raising $10,000 to celebrate dressing 10,000 women. 100% of these funds will go directly to our programs and services that support women who are working towards economic self-sufficiency. If you would like to host a donation drive in the future please contact Brianna Raab at inventory@dfsboston.org! What percentage of funds raised will be going to Dress for Success Boston programs and services? Great question! We are glad you asked and proud to tell you that 100% of funds raised will be dedicated to Dress for Success Boston programs and services! Can I host A Power Party not during the Empow(her) Weekend? A party to support Dress for Success Boston at any time is ALWAYS welcome. However, you will not be in the running for the prize at the end of the weekend. Feel free to utilize CrowdRise even if your party take place at a different time. I would rather not post my party on CrowdRise, can I still take part? Of course! Just keep in mind, if you do not utilize CrowdRise you will miss out on the benefits of having your own personal URL to share with your friends and family via social media and . This platform allows you to spend less time thinking about money and more time partying! Additionally, this would take you out of the running for the top fundraiser prize.

5 Party Planning Guideline The day before Sign up for party on by May 15th. Develop your Power Party plan by April 24th. Pick the date (May 15, 16 or 17) Select time Select a goal (dollar amount) you want to raise Select the theme: Pick a theme that will be fun for you and your guest! It can be as casual or as formal as you would like! Some ideas include: wine and cheese night, bake sale, craft/jewelry fair, Ethnic food themed meal, bowling, ect. Create your guest list and send out invitations by May 1st. Plan your menu, events and buy supplies needed. Follow up with your guest via phone or with each of your guest by May 8th. Print out Dress for Success Material for you and your guest. Pre-read the talking points for your event. Night of the Party HAVE FUN!!!