Posted on 10/28/2005 4:10:41 PM PDT by SandRat
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2005) -- In preparation for the depot's Marine Corps Birthday Ball, the Marine Corps Family Team Building office hosted its annual Ball Gown Giveaway and Fashion Show Oct. 19 at the Bay View restaurant.
The show kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with opening remarks made by headquarters and service battalion's commanding officer's wife, Mrs. Sheila Redfern.
Civilian depot employees and female Marines waltzed the catwalk in a display of 520 gently used ball gowns and a few rental gowns from local businesses.
"It was different than last year; there were less dresses, but they were better dresses," said Sgt. Jazmin McNhishernandez, Recruit Training Regiment, supply chief.
McNhishernandez has modeled for the gown giveaway two years in a row. She was surprised by the luxuries offered to the models by event sponsor JC Penney Salon.
"They did our makeup and hair for free. They gave us coupons to get our hair done for the day of the ball. I was surprised. They didn't do that last year," she said.
The dress styles ranged from cocktail gowns to ball gowns and business suits.
"Because some people don't want hand me down dresses," said Natalie Francisco, Marine Corps Family Team Building coordinator for the depot and the Western Recruiting Region. "The bigger stores - Caché and JC Penney - loaned us dresses to use at the fashion show and then gave us discount coupons to go back and buy the dress off the rack."
The less fashionable gowns left from the show will be donated to goodwill. The more stylish dresses will be kept until the final ball on the West Coast, the depot's staff noncommissioned officer's ball Nov. 12.
According to Francisco, any gowns left behind will be sorted and either donated, disposed of or kept until next year's giveaway,
Ball gown donations are still being accepted. Contact Francisco at (619) 524-0916 for more information.
Ladies!
Good idea! Thanks for the ping!
Good bless you, Sergeant!
Bump
Sorry, I can't make it this year. ;)
I don't think they'll have anything in my size,
but I'll have a snort and yell Ooooorah! just the same.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.