Program provides dress rentals to local military wives, dates; Drop-off site at Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building at 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd.
Donated gowns hang at the Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building, a drop-off site for the Cinderella’s Closet program. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is working in conjunction with the wives of Vandenberg Air Force Base servicemen to help women of the Vandenberg community feel like the belle of the ball, and Santa Barbara-area women can help them out.
Bonnie Martin and Heather Dunar, board members of the Vandenberg Spouses’ Club, are spearheading “Cinderella’s Closet,” a charity program that provides formal dresses and gowns to spouses and dates of airmen nationwide.
“Our main goal is to make it easier for people to attend military events,” Dunar said. “It can be a lot of money, especially for those with a family. Nobody wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress for one event, which is why our Cinderella’s Closet is open to everybody in need.”
Cinderella’s Closet will provide gowns from sizes zero to 26 and shoes, jewelry, and purses for free. Those with base access can borrow a dress at no cost, provided they have it dry-cleaned before returning it.
The dresses can be worn to a variety of formal occasions, such as holiday parties, squadron events, prom, and the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Military Ball on Nov. 4.
If you would like to donate a dress to Cinderella’s Closet, you can drop off your donation at the Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building (112 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can call ahead to schedule an appointment at (805) 568-0020. You can also email Cinderella@vandenbergspousesclub.org for more information.
If you would like to support the attendance of a veteran or active duty service member to the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Military Ball in Santa Barbara on Nov. 4, you can send a check for $150 per ticket to 1187 Coast Village Road, Suite 1-334, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.
About Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation: Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is committed to honoring the men and women who have served in U.S. military efforts. PCVF does this by supporting veterans and active duty members, and related partner organizations, in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as well as preserving military history and legacy. The Foundation works to uphold Pierre Claeyssen’s vision that those who have served are “Never Forgotten.” PCVF is funded entirely by private donations. For more information, visit www.pcvf.org or call (805) 259-4394.