Prom Dresses, Accesories, Salon Services Donations Sought by Next Fri., April 15 for "Great Prom Dress Giveaway" Event

Acts 4 Ministry, Inc. and The Ungroup Society non-profit organizations are collecting prom dresses and accessories for young women-in-need and their 2nd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway to be held on Sunday, April 17. Donations will be accepted through Friday, April 15, of dresses, evening separates, shoes and accessories. The organizations are also seeking either the direct professional services of hair dressers and nail technicians or gift cards for the young ladies to receive these services.

“Our organizations wanted to re-purpose beautiful evening gowns and accessories we receive in donations on a weekly basis. Both our organizations strive to inspire acts of love, so we hope to make each young lady feel special and elegant on her special prom night,” stated the non-denominational Acts 4 Ministry Executive Director Sarah Elizabeth Carabetta.

In 2015, The Ungroup Society reported that Nataly Solis (pictured), a then-senior at Waterbury Arts Magnet School, was the recipient of a custom gown designed by seamstress Madalana R. Duarte-Jenkins of Silhouette Fashions by Madalana in Waterbury. Ms. Duarte-Jenkins made the dress not knowing who would fit into the gown. When she arrived at the 2015 Great Prom Dress Giveaway event, the dress was raffled off, and Ms. Solis was the winner of the stunning gown that ‘fit perfectly.’

“Acts 4 Ministry is not a church,” explained Carabetta. “We are a collaborative group of a volunteer board of directors, staff members and a multitude of volunteers who desire to share God’s love by meeting the physical needs of others. Including the provision of complimentary dresses for prom night events. We achieve our goal daily on many levels by collecting and distributing, free-of-charge to recipients, clothing and housewares with an accommodating furniture program through volunteerism. Each year we distribute clothing to nearly 4,000 people, and over 1,000 pieces of furniture and housewares to people of varying income levels throughout the Greater Waterbury area.”

Ungroup Society Founder Warren Leach explained, "Our organization believes a person need not belong to any particular religious order, organization or ethnic group to help serve the needs of others. Our members desire to be free of rules and regulations that sometimes hinder cooperation and divide different groups. Acts 4 Ministry also works to help all people, free of any judgments or requirements. Both groups seek to be of service and to spread a good word both through giving praise and thanks all while backing it up with actions. All to the Glory of God."

Rhonda Gatling, The Ungroup Society’s Coordinator Prom Dress Giveaway, commented, “with the help of private citizens and dress boutiques we are able to help young ladies, who may otherwise not attend one of the most important nights of their lives due to financial hardship, have a wonderful prom experience.”

Tax-deductible donations of dresses, shoes, and service provider gift certificates, etc. are requested by Friday, April 15. Donations can be brought to Acts 4 Ministry’s building at 1713 Thomaston Avenue in Waterbury, Mondays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or during select Saturdays. Visit www.acts4.org for select Saturday hours or call 203-574-2287.

Professional hairdressers and nail technicians who wish to donate their services should contact Acts 4 Ministry at 203-574-2287 to schedule dates, times and locations where they can donate their services to individual prom dress recipients. They can also U.S. Mail their salon’s gift certificates to Acts 4 Ministry, PO Box 4524, Waterbury, CT 06704.

The Acts 4 Ministry’s building features a store environment where people with immediate needs can select clothing, furniture and household items. “Individuals and families can come here to personally select clothing, dishes, glassware, furnishings, and other basic needs at no charge. They are provided with an atmosphere which preserves their dignity and allows them to walk around our store to select what they personally need vs. being handed clothing or furnishings they do not desire. This is a respectful environment where everyone is treated with caring support,” stated Carabetta.

To learn more about Acts 4 Ministry, Inc.’s clothing and basic household goods needs and distributions; home visits; furniture deliveries; and our support of local area foods banks, health clinics, shelters, soup kitchens, disaster relief agencies, and international community support, please visit www.acts4.org or call 203-574-2287.