Suzy Zimmerman introduced our guest speaker, Rosa Pesenti. Rosa is a Board member of a project called Maria’s Closet, whose mission is to help outfit senior girls with the proper attire to attend their Prom dances. With the idea of instilling confidence and empowering the girls by helping to transform them and fulfill a dream they never thought possible. Prom attire and ticket fees can run up to $400-$500. This daunting obligation is beyond the reach of many girls in the San Pedro area, living just a short distance away from more financially secure neighborhoods on the peninsula. There are many girls in need regardless of zip code, but Maria’s Closet needed to start somewhere, and that was initially at the Port of LA Boys and Girls Club.

They were able to get new and gently used dresses donated to the cause.  The girls can select an appropriate dress and keep it. No give backs, unless they want to. For many young ladies, this is the first fancy dress that they could call “their own”. The transformation on the gals is magical. Rosa brought in framed pictures of many of the beauties instead of a slide show.  They feel cared about, that they matter. Why would a stranger apply their time and energy for me? Their smiles were captivating.

To initiate the fund raising for the teenagers, Maria’s Closet held an adult prom at The Dalmatian Club. A sold out event! They were able to raise $15,000 at that event 3 years ago. The next event will be held 3/22/20 with a Roaring 20’s Theme.  The funds raised will continue to supply dresses, jewelry, and makeup. Scholarships are also now being offered.

You may imagine that there is a component of prom that is missing from the above, mainly the guys. This year will be the first year that Maria’s closet will be able to obtain about 40 tuxedos for Joe’s Closet. This sounds like the beginning of something truly great.