Kenzie’s Closet Dress Drive

At first glance, it may seem that Princess Diana, used prom dresses, and the Cincinnati Museum Center have nothing in common. But thanks to a new initiative, they have a big thing in common: Making a difference.

The Museum Center will be hosting a Kenzie’s Closet Dress Drive at their “Diana, A Celebration” and “Daughters of the Queen City” exhibits from May 28 through June 1.

“The women in our exhibitions have had huge humanitarian impact on Cincinnati and around the world,” says Cody Hefner, public relations manager of the Museum Center. “We want the community to be involved in the same spirit.”

Kenzie’s Closet is a non-profit organization that collects gently used prom dresses and accessories to make the prom dreams of financially-disadvantaged young girls come true. These girls come from schools across the Tri-State area and are referred to Kenzie’s Closet by a principal, counselor or social service agency. The student schedules an appointment to “shop” for the dress of their dreams at the Kenzie’s Closet boutique — all free of charge.

It was their spirit, and the effect they had on the girls they helped in the community, that drew the Museum Center to Kenzie’s Closet. Although they had never done an event quite like the Dress Drive, the Museum Center knew they wanted to help create awareness for Kenzie’s Closet, and to make sure that their closet will always be filled.

“At the Museum Center, we wanted to feature ordinary individuals doing small gestures that will impact others that they never meet,” says Hefner. “It’s what Diana did in her lifetime, those who we feature in our Daughters of the Queen City did, and it’s what Kenzie’s Closet it all about.”

The five-day Dress Drive will kick off at 6 p.m. on May 28 during Diana: Toast of the Town, a Museum Center event where visitors can partake in a cash bar and enjoy light appetizers before or after visiting Diana, A Celebration.

“Anyone who donates a dress during the Dress Drive will receive $4 off admission to the Diana exhibition,” says Hefner. “We want to show people that we appreciate their donations because it’s not so much about what you give, but about the gesture of your compassions.”

So, as prom season comes to a close and the weddings and graduation and other special events pass, head to the Museum Center and donate your gently-used prom or bridesmaid dresses, evening gowns, purses and jewelry to Kenzie’s Closet and see the exhibitions.

To learn more, visit www.kenziescloset.org.