A little black dress will represent women empowering women at Schuylkill Women in Crisis Little Black Dress event today at the Schuylkill Country Club, West Market Street, Orwigsburg.
"To me, if you wear a nice black dress in the work place, it kind of symbolizes power," Meghan Holobetz, Schuylkill Country Club membership and marketing director, said.
The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and benefits Schuylkill Women in Crisis.
Attendants should wear a black dress or black dress suit if they don't feel comfortable wearing a dress. Both women and men are welcome to attend.
Admittance is $30 per person and donations are welcome. Those not already registered for the event can pay at the door.
Holobetz is hosting the event as a Power of Women team member. Her prior involvement in Schuylkill Women in Crisis lead her to become an elected member of the Power of Women team.
The Power of Women team is a group of women, organized and elected by the Schuylkill Women in Crisis board, who are "committed to spreading awareness of domestic violence," Darla Troutman, Schuylkill Women in Crisis communications director, said.
"I thought that I could have an event for women empowering women," she said.
Holobetz said she had already raised $200 and hopes to raise $1000 with the Little Black Dress event.
"I think it's a great organization for this area, and I think that helping other women who are in different circumstances is really import to our community," Holobetz said.
Holbetz expects about 70 to 80 people to attend. Informative Schuylkill Women in Crisis literature will be available.
Sophy Jewelers and the Beehive Salon and Spa donated prizes to be raffled off at the event. Sophy Jewelers donated a pair of earrings and a bracelet, while the Beehive Salon donated a new summer manicure and pedicure service.
Patrick Burns and Doug Mervine, both singers and guitarists, are performing live.
All raised funds go toward an effort the agency is planning in September.
Schuylkill Women in Crisis is bringing an interactive play about dating violence, titled "Remote Control," to five local high schools and Penn State Schuylkill during the week of September 8. The high school are Blue Mountain, Schuylkill Haven Area, Pottsville Area, North Schuylkill Junior and Senior and Marion Catholic.
Deanna's Education Theatre, a nonprofit company that acts to prevent relationship violence, is performing "Remote Control." Troutman said the theatre group performed "Yellow Dress" for the Schuylkill Women in Crisis in 2008.
Troutman said they have been contacted by other high schools but haven't raised the funds to visit more.
Though high school performances are only for students and staff, the performance at Penn Sate-Schuylkill is free and open to the public.