Used formal gown sale benefits local youth

WASILLA -- Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day this week, promising six more weeks of winter, Diane Tresham, owner of Arctic Rose Fine Fashions and Bridal Boutique in Wasilla, is thinking spring -- cleaning, that is.

"Anyone who has formal gowns stored away, it's time to clean the closets," Tresham said.

Tresham, along with Kids are People Inc., is rounding up cleaned, gently used formal gowns to sell at Arctic Rose's "Only Worn Once, Some New" prom-and-party-gown sale.

"The idea [for the sale] has kind of been there for a while. I'm always hearing moms and dads saying 'but they only wear it once!'" Tresham said, noting that the price for new prom gowns averages around $150. "Sometimes even a $75 dress off-the-rack can be expensive for some families."

The event is scheduled for Feb. 29, at Settlers Bay Lodge in Wasilla. It will begin with a fashion show at 2 p.m., followed by the sale at 2:30. Although the sale will include some new clearance gowns from Arctic Rose, Tresham says only the second-hand gowns will be featured in the fashion show.

"I'm excited about this," Tresham said. "There could be some really nice dresses there."

Tresham said the sale is her way to thank her patrons and the community for its support throughout the 20 years she has been in business in the Valley. As such, she said all proceeds from the sale will go to Kids Are People Inc., a local nonprofit organization which provides prevention, intervention and services for at-risk youths and their families.

"I wanted to donate the money [to a charitable organization], but I wanted it to stay in the Valley," Tresham said. "Kids Are People has a unique and caring program in the Valley."

KAP sponsors such things as the Saxton Youth Shelter, the Juvenile Assessment Center and the Transitional Living Center, as well as school-based support groups which provide local students with suicide prevention training, abstinence education and tobacco prevention training.

"The idea really got exciting when we knew so many families and community members could benefit," Tresham said.

She says she knows second-hand gowns won't appeal to everyone. But even those shoppers looking for new gowns can benefit by donating a previously-worn gown.

"If someone wants to purchase a new gown for spring or future events, they will receive $25 off the purchase price of a new gown by trading one "only worn once" formal at Arctic Rose. The trade-in gowns will go to the sale on Feb. 29, Tresham said.

Since KAP is a nonprofit organization, all donated gowns are tax deductible. Gowns will be collected until Feb. 25 and can be dropped off at Arctic Rose Fine Fashions and Bridal Boutique in Meta Rose Square, or at Kids Are People Inc.'s administrative offices, located in the Lakeview Building at 851 E. Westpoint Drive, suite 104, in Wasilla. Tickets for the event are $5 and can be purchased at either location, as well.