Hundreds of women wear the same dress for five consecutive days to shed light on poverty challenges in the community
Social media-driven fundraising campaign culminates with clothing drive in Little Italy
San Diego County CA—The Junior League of San Diego (JLSD) is holding its third annual Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI)—a week-long, social media-driven fundraising campaign that illustrates the effects poverty can have on a woman’s access to resources, confidence and opportunities. The event ends with a celebratory clothing drive at Little Italy’s Loading Dock on the evening of March 15.
The campaign begins March 11 where JLSD volunteers are encouraged to wear the same black dress for five consecutive days. Volunteers are also encouraged to harness the power of their social media platforms to raise awareness and drive online donations. The original Little Black Dress Initiative was launched in February 2014 by The Junior League of London. JLSD’s area of focus is to support transition-age foster youth, as well as highlight poverty and other issues affecting this vulnerable population.
“The little black dresses are not just fashion statements,” said Joni Flaherty, president of Junior League of San Diego. “It’s a unique way to start a conversation around youth transitioning into the work force. It’s a way to bring awareness to the fact that many don’t have the funds to purchase a wardrobe to look like a professional and there are ways we can help.”
The professional clothing drive at Little Italy’s Loading Dock begins on March 15 at 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. The organization requests that attendees bring new or gently used professional clothing, which will be donated to our community partners’ programs for homeless youth. Food and drinks will be available to purchase and ten percent goes back to JLSD.
For more information on the Little Black Dress Initiative, please click here. For more information on the Junior League of San Diego and its mission, please visit www.jlsd.org.