A New Jersey based non-profit organization enhancing self esteem and confidence of teenagers through distributing prom gowns and providing mentors, internship, and scholarship programs to inner city girls; Catherine's Closet, Inc.

Catherine's Closet COMES OUT OF THE CLOSET!
Students Focus on Community Service and Entreprenueurship Projects
Newark, N.J. - Every high school girl dreams of attending their prom in style. With the help of Catherine's Closet, 5000 underprivileged girls received designer gowns at no cost. Catherine's Closet is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandra Kessler in memory of Catherine Johnson, an East Orange high school senior who was tragically killed by a 14-year-old in a stolen vehicle. Catherine's Closet is run by students and incorporates community service and entrepreneurial skills. Fourteen students received $1000 scholarships for completing 60-100 hours of service with our organization.
Students at Science High School and Maple Avenue School, Newark, N.J. are hosting a High Tea Fundraiser to honor Steve and Jeff Greenberg and Frank James who donated the penthouse at 550 Broad Street, Newark, N.J. to store prom gowns and accessories. The High Tea Fundraiser is February 27,2006 at 4:00 p.m. at the Penthouse-550 Broad Street, Newark, N.J. The students have set $50,000 as their goal. The Newark students attended a tea and "tea lesson" at the Short Hills Hilton, Short Hills, New Jersey in order to prepare for the fund raisers. Students in the Twilight Program at Lincon and Snyder High Schools are hosting a gala tea party fund raiser February 17, 2006. Irvington High School is planning dance competition fund raiser. Students in the Future Business Leaders of America Club at Wayne Hills High School, Wayne, N.J. sponsored a holiday sale of beauty products. The proceeds were donated to Catherine's Closet.
Catherine's Closet now works with over 225 schools and organizations, and is supported by such groups as Great American Financial Resources, Inc., Mercedes-Benz USA, Prudential, and Newark Public Schools. Publicity has appeared in the Star Ledger, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and People Magazine. Kiss F.M. , BET, and every major news station has covered the story.

Contact:
Sandy Kessler Sskess0881@aol.com
Please note that emails will only be returned to club leaders with specific questions after they have reviewed the web site and media inquiries.

P.O. Box AR, Paterson, New Jersey 07509 | Phone 973.616.2060 | Web Site Donated By BZA