Collection for the Marine Corps Ball are on until October 10, 2017

Palm Desert, Ca – Desert Best Friend’s Closet, a non-profit dedicated to providing a Bridge to Employment with wardrobe and job search services, has kicked off their annual drive for formal dresses and gowns to outfit women attending the 2017 Commandant’s 242^nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball, being held in early November 2017.

The Ball Gown Giveaway benefits women attending the Marine Corps and is open to all active duty females and active duty wives stationed at the Twentynine Palms Marines Air Group Combat Center. “Every year, DBFC honors the men and women of our military by providing gowns for this event to those who would not otherwise be able to attend.  We rely greatly on the generosity of our community in donating formal clothing already waiting in their closets,” says Connie Golds, Executive Director of Desert Best Friend’s Closet.

This year, the charity is partnering with The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA). Located on the Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, the ASYMCA is a familiar resource for members of the military and their families.  “We are thrilled to have a partner on base who can help us get the word out and provide registration assistance so that we can concentrate on matching attendees with the perfect gown.  This is the eighth year we have participated by providing fabulous formal wear and accessories.  It’s rewarding not only to the recipients but also to us.  We love being part of such a memorable experience for our military” Ms. Golds concluded.

The Giveaway will be held at Building 1707 located on 8^th Street on base on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10am – 5pm. Registration prior to the event is required through ASYMCA event registration.

DBFC welcomes donations of contemporary prom dresses, ball gowns and bridesmaid dresses, as well as accessories such as shoes, evening bags, wraps and “bling” jewelry. All donated apparel must be clean and in good condition, with no tears, stains, broken zippers or missing buttons. Donors are asked to have all clothing on hangers and ready to wear. Donations can be brought to directly to the DBFC office in Palm Desert or The Wardrobe in Palm Springs.  All formal clothing and accessories for this event must be received by October 10^th.

About Desert Best Friend’s Closet

Desert Best Friend’s Closet (DBFC) empowers and educates clients for success in employment and life by providing a professional wardrobe, image services, resume writing and interview coaching to individuals who need help in gaining independence. Working with local and state agencies, DBFC is the only organization in the Coachella Valley to provide clothing and accessories for those who need support when looking for employment.  In 2016, DBFC served over 500 women and men, by providing 2,000+ professional pieces of clothing, 500 pair of shoes and over 1,200 accessories.  For more information about the organization, donation opportunities or volunteer positions available, visit BFCloset.org., follow us on Facebook.com/BFCloset or call (760) 776-9975.