NORTHBROOK, Ill. — The 2017 Glass Slipper Project (GSP) collection drive, with the support of high school partners and customers, helped Zengeler Cleaners collect 6,107 new and lovingly used dresses, the company notes.
“Over the years, I’ve had an opportunity to personally talk to some of the high school women receiving the dresses,” says Tom Zengeler, president of Zengeler Cleaners. “One comment that comes up consistently is that the opportunity to pick out and wear a prom dress is often the very first time some of these students have ever had a dress to call their own.”
The students are incredibly appreciative, Zengeler says, which “underscores the value of the service we provide. We are truly humbled to be part of this outstanding event.”
The GSP was founded by women who recognized many girls cannot afford the luxury of spending big dollars for prom, no matter how special that night may be, Zengeler Cleaners says.
As is custom, the organization this year distributed the formal dresses and accessories free of charge at Glass Slipper “boutiques,” where each student received individual assistance from a volunteer “personal shopper.”
The number of dresses donated was a new record in Zengeler Cleaners’ 15th year supporting the GSP, the business reports. The collection of dresses, purses, jewelry, shoes and other accessories, with a combined value exceeding $4.1 million, capped a year of community involvement for the family-owned company.
Over the past 12 months, Zengeler Cleaners says it has supported many local organizations, including youth sponsorships, programs for adults and seniors, community-based organizations and other worthy causes.
Two of Northern Illinois’ largest Chambers of Commerce recognized the company recently. In February, Zengeler Cleaners earned a “Community Service — Business” award. A month later, it was named a “Corporate Citizen of the Year” for promoting a spirit of giving and community involvement.
“Privileged to be able to support so many worthy activities in the communities we serve,” Tom Zengeler says. “Our service philosophy was first established by our founder, John Zengeler, way back in the 1850s and has carried through to every generation of leadership.”
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