Pace Center for Girls, Lee will celebrate the next Love That Dress! collection event on Thursday, June 23, at By Rachel Pierce Art Gallery on Sanibel Island.
Hosted by local artist Rachel Pierce and Sanibel Mayor Holly D. Smith, the collection party will include drinks, appetizers and prize drawings as well as a chance to take home a signature tote from Pierce filled with merchandise, including signature coasters, Tervis cup and notecards.
Known for her coastal creations and abstract beachscapes, Pierce paints bright, modern original art reflecting the natural beauty and abundant wildlife found only in Southwest Florida. This year, the Florida-inspired artist and former TV anchor opened By Rachel Pierce Art Gallery on Sanibel, where she sells and exhibits her fine art originals, along with a variety of items.
The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 23 at By Rachel Pierce Art Gallery, located at 1571 Periwinkle Way in Sanibel. Registration is not required for the event, however, donations of gently loved dresses are encouraged.
At the collection party, guests can learn about Pace Center for Girls and donate gently loved dresses to support the Love That Dress! fundraiser. Donations will be accepted prior to the event, which can be dropped off at the gallery during normal business hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Love That Dress! features shopping and silent auctions with all proceeds benefiting Pace programs and services in Lee County. With a series of collection events to help build inventory, the fundraising event culminates with what’s described as the ultimate feel-good shopping spree of the year.
Proceeds from Love That Dress! provide academic programs and counseling services to girls and young women ages 11 to 18 who are working to overcome risk factors such as poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, foster home placement, neglect, grief, incarceration of a family member, mental health and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
In August 2021, the Love That Dress! fundraiser featured a record-breaking collection of 9,000 high-quality, brand-new boutique and gently used dresses, shoes, handbags and accessories, helping raise $65,000.
To learn more about Pace Lee and its programs, please visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee or call 239-425-2366.
About Pace Center for Girls, Lee
Pace Center for Girls, Lee, envisions a world where all girls and young women have power, in a just and equitable society. Founded in 1985, Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.
