School to host ‘Say Yes to the Dress Boutique’ for students

OWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) - When Lucas Vilorio saw a child leave last year’s Daddy and Daughter event at Sorgho Elementary School because of the clothes they were wearing, he vowed to do whatever he could to not let it happen again.

Vilorio, the family resource coordinator for the school, created the Sorgho Say Yes to the Dress Boutique to ensure that students who attend the event in March would not feel inferior.

The boutique will be open from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the school, and will offer “the ultimate boutique experience” for students to acquire outfits for the annual dance, according to a press release.

The school is modeling the event after the TLC show “Say Yes to the Dress.” When students enter, they’ll be greeted by volunteers dressed in black to assist them with whatever they need. Students can pick a dress and other accessories and will be offered refreshments. There will also be a table with cards on it.

“The only payment they are going to do is write a thankful post card to the people who have donated items,” Vilorio said.

Once Upon a Child, Goodwill, St. Vincent DePaul Society, parents, teachers at the school and other members of the community have all taken part in donating items for the event, said Laura Cecil, the SES Principal.

“The idea is heartwarming to many people,” she said. “We want every young lady to feel special at this event and support families in making this a memorable, fun event without the stress of money for clothes.”

She said that every girl should have the opportunity to “find that special dress for a special night,” and having the boutique is just another way to make school “a great, memorable place.”

All girls who attend SES are eligible to participate, Cecil said.

“We want every kid to feel special, regardless of their barriers…,” she said.

The Enchanting Night Under the Sea dance will be from 6 to 8 p.m. March 10 at the school. It will include dancing, crafts and snacks for girls and the male role models in their lives, the release said.

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Information from: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, https://www.messenger-inquirer.com