THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 11, 1996 TAG: 9610110055
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY NANCY LEWIS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 52 lines
WOMEN LEARNING their way off welfare are getting handout that's a hand up from the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach.
Under the League's program, when a woman has successfully completed a job-training program, she's invited to go on a shopping spree at the league's Career Clothes Closet. Each woman gets to pick out an interview outfit and one for fun.
``It's a graduation present,'' said Norfolk lawyer Dawn Peters, league president, standing amid an array of suits, dresses and coats that would be the dream of any clotheshorse.
The Career Clothes Closet is actually a large room on the second floor of the Taylor-Whittle House in downtown Norfolk, the league headquarters. Over the past three years, more than 300 women have received donated clothing through the effort.
The clothing project also provides benefits that can't be measured in dollars or goods, Peters said. The interaction between league members and the ``graduating'' women gives both a boost.
The program is just one of the league's community outreach projects. Local nonprofit groups are also the beneficiaries of the league's money-raising efforts. Since its inception in 1925, the league has returned more than a half million dollars to the community.
On Saturday, in order to raise funds to continue this outreach, the Junior League will conduct its fourth annual silent auction, ``A Toast to Tidewater,'' at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Bidding begins at 7 p.m., but buyers may preview the sale at 6:30 p.m.
About $53,000 worth of donated items will be sold. Some are:
Tickets to ``Late Night with David Letterman''and accommodations in New York City.
A Tiffany brooch.
Tea party for children.
A 1996 Mazda Miata.
A week in New England for the 1997 fall foliage season.
There are dozens more, including theater and opera tickets, art work, gym memberships and NFL football tickets.
Tickets for the auction are $24 and include hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment. Dress is cocktail attire, and a cash bar is available. Call 623-7270 for tickets. ILLUSTRATION: WANT TO GO?
What: ``A Toast to Tidewater,'' silent auction fund-raiser to
benefit community outreach projects
Who: The Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach
When: 6:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday
Where: Norfolk Waterside Marriott by CNB