PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A Pasco County charity that helps students look their best for school dances was displaced, leaving its founder worried she wouldn’t be able to open in time for homecoming this fall.
But thanks to help from a local business, Marjorie’s Hope is once again providing formal wear to teens.
What You Need To Know
- Marjorie's Hope, a charity for teens, has moved into a space at Gemini Moon Rising at Gulf View Square Mall
- The charity will operate out of the store for the rest of homecoming season to provide suits and dresses
- Students can stop by Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. now through Oct. 21
The charity usually operates its seasonal storefront at Wendell Krinn Technical High School, but construction at the school left founder Debi Shackowsky looking for another place to set up shop.
That’s when she connected with Elizabeth Fountain, the owner of Gemini Moon Rising at Gulf View Square Mall.
Fountain made room in her store for all of the dresses and suits brought in by Marjorie’s Hope, which will now operate out of Gemini Moon Rising for the rest of homecoming season.
“No questions asked,” Fountain said. “I grew up in a middle to low income family so any opportunity to help out, I’m always going to.”
Shackowsky founded the charity nearly 10 years ago in honor of her late sister Marjorie, who was killed by a drunk driver in 1994. Shackowsky said throughout her life, her sister volunteered to help needy children. The charity has been a way to keep her spirit alive.
“Rather than memorializing her passing, we decided to celebrate the life she loved to live,” Shackowsky said. “And so we created Marjorie’s Hope so we could keep her light lit.”
It started with donating backpacks to needy teens. Soon, the effort grew into a kid’s closet, a teacher store and more recently, what Shackowsky named the “Cinderella and Prince Charming Project.”
The seasonal event provides free formal wear to teens in both Pasco and Hernando counties.
“When you see students stand before that mirror in their dress or the guys in their suits, it’s an ‘ah ha’ moment and there’s so many happy tears,” Shackowsky said.
Students can stop by Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 21. Student IDs are required.
Discounted haircuts and styles are also available at Photo Fresh Fades and Vanity Loft Salon, which are also lcoated at Gulf View Square Mall.