Caitlin's Closet - Opening Doors

The centerpiece of Caitlin’s Closet is the “Opening Doors” event when the doors of the closet are flung wide open and young women have the opportunity to select the dress of their dreams.  The event is designed to be simple, inexpensive and accessible.  Contact Caitlin via email at brunellfoundation@hotmail.com to register as an official “Opening Doors” event and receive your Caitlin’s Closet decorations kit.

1. Gather a group of friends who share interest in improving the lives of other teens or ask your youth group, school or church to sponsor an “Opening Doors” event.  Together, decide what school will be invited to browse your dress collection.

 
2. Determine a venue for your event- consider a community center, a library meeting room, even your home.  Wherever you decide, be sure to get written permission to hold the event.

 
3. Advertise, advertise, advertise!!  The best events are well publicized so consider an advertising campaign that includes e-mail, church bulletins, school announcements, flyers, and (best of all…) word of mouth!  Contact your local newspaper- the editor may be very interested in running a story about your efforts on behalf of others.

 
4. On the day of the event, set up your site.  You’ll need: 
      
   • Tables for registration.
     
   • Racks for dresses.  Buy or borrow racks to hold the dresses.  Both  Wal-Mart and Target offer inexpensive racks for purchase.
     
   • Dressing areas.  Create dressing areas with movable screens or designate an adjacent restroom, office or locker room to serve as a dressing area.  Borrow several full length mirrors.
     
   • Alterations Department.  Enlist a seamstress willing to donate their services to make simple alterations on-site.
     
   • Music.  Create a fun and lively atmosphere with music.
     
   • Microphone for welcome and announcements.

   Caitlin’s Closet will provide a decorations kit containing banner, balloons, raffle prizes and bags for transporting the dresses to their new closets.

5. At the start of the “Opening Doors” event, welcome your guests and distribute raffle tickets for prizes provided by Caitlin’s Closet.  Officially, open the doors to Caitlin’s Closet!!

 
6. Finally, at the designated time (approximately two hours), bring your event to a close, knowing that your efforts have “opened doors” that day for many young women.