Today we're going to have a long talk on what I believe to be truly unfashionable.
Poverty.
Next week I'm going to wear the same little black dress for 5 days, Monday- Friday, in efforts to raise awareness and funds to combat poverty. It's called this the 'Little Black Dress Initiative' (LBDI). I'm not doing this alone, but as a member of the
Junior League of Charlotte (JLC).
Let's face it, we are blessed!! Amen! We have more than we need but yet right in our same county, city, zip code and even neighborhoods there are those that are hungry and struggling to survive.
I'm not sure what it's going to feel like...
to
not stand in my closet and choose from a plethora of garments,
or to not step into a freshly cleaned outfit (I will not be washing my dress to take full advantage of the experience)
or to wear black over and over (you gals know I rarely ever wear it)
But I do hope ...
I make a difference
I gain an appreciation for my blessings
I influence others to make an impact
I'll be sharing lots of info about LBDI every day next week as well as all about my experience.
Please consider supporting my personal fundraising goals by clicking this link below
https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/jlcharlotte . . .
Here's an overview ....
The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The JLC was founded in 1926 and in its 90 years, has provided more than 1.5 million hours of volunteer service and more than $13.5 million to the community. Our membership includes almost 1900 committed volunteer members in the Charlotte and surrounding community.
2. What is the Little Black Dress Initiative?
The Little Black Dress Initiative was pioneered by the Junior League of London who, during London Fashion week, wore the same black dress to work, parties, dinners and events to raise funds and increase awareness of poverty in the city. The campaign was such a success, the group called on Junior League chapters across the world to host their own LBDIs throughout the year. LBDI is a week-long, social media driven fundraising campaign that uses the iconic LBD to raise awareness about poverty and its effects. Participants wear one LBD for five consecutive days and are encouraged to harness the power of their social media platforms to drive online donations, which are collected through a charitable fundraising site. The purpose of LBDI is not just to wear the same dress for 5 days. The dress serves a purpose to spark conversation. It provides a chance for us, as Junior League of Charlotte members, to discuss the needs in our community and what we can do to help.
3.
Where will my donations go?
The funds raised make possible the work and mission of the Junior League. All donations are fully tax deductible. Just some ways the JLC is addressing the devastating effects of poverty are:
o Providing more than 400 children more than 1,000 immunizations through Big Shots Saturday so they can attend school and stay healthy.
o Annually delivering almost 10,000 backpacks of food for the weekends and/or holidays to Reid Park Academy students as well as providing a mobile food pantry with fresh fruits and vegetables through our partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank
o Teaching both children and adults how to prepare healthy meals and helping families plan meals based on their Loaves & Fishes food allotment through our partnership with AdaCooks!.
o The JLC Give Kids a Smile team assists in providing free dental care to over 70 children per year and also provides education to elementary children on dental health.
o Assisting grieving children cope with the loss of a loved one at Chameleon’s Journey.
o Our partnership with EmpowHERment allows our members to mentor girls in grades 6 through 12 at 4 at-risk schools within CMS. The mentoring events provide a unique forum for mentees and mentors to bond with other women and girls through shared learning experiences, connections to networks and exposure to community resources & issues.
o The JLC Promising Pages team works to distribute books at Title I schools and community outreach events like the Magic Book Party Programs at Reid Park Academy.
4
. Is there a poverty problem locally?
Yes! Here are just a few shocking statistics:
o 50,000 children in Charlotte are currently living in poverty
o Almost 1 in 5 children in Charlotte are currently living in poverty
o Over half a million North Carolinian children are living in poverty
o Over 4,000 children in CMS schools are reported homeless
o 1 in 4 children in North Carolina are living in a household where there is uncertainty regarding access to food
o 134,000 Charlotteans are living in poverty
o 12% of North Carolinians are homeless
Thank you for reading along!!! And not to worry I've still got some fashionable things to share.
I've rounded up 5 LBD's in a variety of shapes sure to flatter every gal ...
