Students Giving Back plans third annual Starlet Benefit

By Jennifer S. McDonald
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — Girls looking for something slinky, strappy or sassy for prom need not look further than a local high school to get what they want.

A group of students at Adams High School is offering gently used prom dresses, accessories and shoes for a fraction of their retail prices.

The group, called Students Giving Back, plans to present its third annual Starlet Benefit March 20. The sale, which will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at Adams High School, will offer dry-cleaned dresses and accessories for under $30.

All proceeds will go directly back into the community through a donation to Rainbow Connection, said Suzanne Glinka, Adams High School media assistant and an SGB advisor.

“I think we are serving and helping so many girls because the economic times are tough,” Glinka said. “Every girl wants to be a total princess. Some of our gowns retail for $600-$700, and girls walk out with them for under $30.” 

Now in its third year, SGB started with three members and now has around 40. Planning for the annual Starlet Benefit starts in October and ends the night of the sale, Glinka said.

This year, organizers say they will have at least 600 dresses available, which is really exciting, Adams junior and SGB President Nicole Werner said.

“All of our dresses are sold for under $30. Some of them we get with tags on them and brand new,” Werner said. “It’s really cool we can sell them for such good prices, because so many people right now can’t afford that.”

According to Adams junior and SGB Vice President Brianna Ewigleben, members of the community can still contribute gowns. Suggested donation items include short or long dry-cleaned and gently used gowns, shoes, jewelry, purses and other accessories.

“This really is a good thing, because we can donate to the community,” Ewigleben said. “We get to help the Rainbow Connection. I really like the idea of helping less-fortunate children.”

Anyone from any community is welcome to attend the sale, which will be held in conjunction with Adams Student Council’s annual Rummage Sale at Adams High School, 3200 Tienken Road.

SGB is also looking for local businesses to donate gift certificates for raffles, full-length mirrors, dress forms and clothing racks.

For more information about the sale and dress drop-off locations, contact Glinka at (248) 373-1289 or Pat O’Dell at (248) 650-2401.

You can reach Staff Writer Jennifer S. McDonald at jmcdonald@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1112.