We went to the Sweetwater Woman’s Club the other day for their October luncheon and program. I had been alerted to this program sometime ago by two of the club members Nora Greife and Jean Chene. It sounded like a very worthwhile function, something for which the ladies of the group are known.
The luncheon, the other day, was the culmination of the project. The club presented 152 sun dresses to Karen Adams who will deliver and distribute them to needy children in the remote regions of Uganda.
Greife had heard of this project sometime ago and thought it might be a good project for the local group. Club president Susan Lewis and club members agreed and the project was undertaken. The sponsoring group is under the auspices of Hope for Children of which Dresses for Girls around the World is a sub-group
The original idea was rather simple.The seamstress would simply take an ordinary pillow case, cut sleeves into it and maybe decorate it with other material. But as is usually the case is such circumstances the participants got creative and added a few other items to the dresses making them much more attractive.
The latter consisted of ribbons, pockets and decorative tape making the simple garments resemble those that one might find in an upscale clothing store. The ladies of the local club got right into the spirit of the project turning out beautiful dresses en masse. Long time club member Jennie Fulasz is responsible for more than 70 herself.
Karen spoke of her commitment to this project and how it came about. She owes it all to a degree in sociology and a desire to show gratitude for good health after a trying bout with breast cancer.
She stated how her group has supplied dresses to girls in South America, the Philippines, Vietnam, Africa and other countries.
She, however, stated that her heart was in Uganda where she has seen the appreciative looks and expressions from the girls who have more than likely been presented with the first dress they have ever owned.
Dresses for girls is typical of the type of projects that the ladies of the club undertake.
Over the years they have supplied other destitute people, some local and many foreign with aid in making life a bit easier on them.
In early November the club will be displaying and observing their principal fund raiser for the year, the Holiday Décor.
This is the function where the ladies decorate, generally, four houses in the community featuring objects with the Christmas theme that are for sale. These funds and others are what are used to finance their various philanthropic projects.
The other day ladies involved in this project unwrapped some of the dresses for display to those of us who were on hand.
I can attest to the quality and attractiveness of the clothing and am quite sure that any little girl, regardless of where she lives, will delight in owning one. We laud the persons responsible for them.
