Thank you for your interest in the Little Black Dress Club! Please visit us on Facebook!

Thank you so much for your interest in the Little Black Dress Club! We have moved our communications to Facebook. Search for "Little Black Dress Club Boise," to learn more about how you can be a part of our organization!

Grant Report from 'Girls on the Run'

Ever wondered how our grant winners used the funds they were awarded? Girls on the Run submitted this great report on all the good they were able to do with the $2,500 they were awarded:

"I am pleased to share with you our grant report for Girls on the Run – Idaho for 2009. Since receiving your generous grant for the amount of $2,500 we have had two successful 10-week seasons and have served 285 girls in the communities of Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Middleton, Star, Kuna and Caldwell.

Our Spring 2009 season was held from March through May. Our program was offered at thirteen sites across the Treasure Valley in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Star with 139 girls participating and 32 coaches volunteering their time. Our 2009 Fall season was held from September through November. We had sites in twelve locations across the Treasure Valley with 146 girls registered and 33 coaches. We were able add new sites in Kuna and Caldwell during the fall, along with offering our existing sites in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Middleton and Nampa. While we saw a bit of a decline in our annual numbers from the previous year, we were happy with the numbers we served, especially in this time of financial instability for so many families.

On Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 and Saturday, November 7th, 2009, participants in our program experienced two very important events. These were the days of our community 5Ks for our spring and fall seasons. On May 2nd, Girls on the Run girls from our spring season participated in the East Jr. High Hornet Run. Despite a downpour of rain, over 120 girls came out to accomplish their goal of finishing a 5K. On Saturday, November 7th participants in our fall program completed the Run 4 Freedom 5K in Kuna. Over 100 girls achieved their goal. At each event, coaches, parents and friends lined the course and cheered on each girl, giving them the extra motivation to finish strong. For some of our girls, these 5Ks were their first official races. For all our girls these events were great accomplishments. These girls worked hard all season long preparing for these events and were able to use the tools they gained during our lessons to have the strength and courage to believe in themselves and finish the races.

I’m happy to report that your grant for the amount of $2,500 was used for general operating support during our 2009 year. We used $500 for snacks, $1,000 for program t-shirts and $1,000 for printing.

Our program continues to influence the girls who participate in it. After the Fall 2009 season, one participant said, “I have learned how to be myself.” Another girl shared, “It made me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to.” One parent of a 4th grader said, “My daughter has gained a stronger sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. She also enjoyed the activities, as well as the running.” Another parent of a 5th grader shared, “During Girls on the Run my daughter learned many valuable lessons, made new friends and was part of a team. Being a team player is important and the GOTR program is beneficial to girls’ health.” It is statements like these that allow us to see that our message is being heard. Girls on the Run strives to equip girls with the decision making tools and values necessary to face any type of situation and respond to challenging situations in a positive way. We know that through our program we are changing the lives of girls in the Treasure Valley and creating a community that is healthier both physically and mentally.

We truly appreciate your role in helping our program grow. If you need any further information regarding our 2009 grant please contact us at (208) 388-4687 or info@gotr.org."

Way to support a great organization, Little Black Dress Club members!

Potluck Brunch on Sunday, February 28!

Join us for a potluck brunch on February 28 at 12:30 p.m.! Louise has graciously offered to host a lovely brunch in her home and is asking for each participant to bring a small dish to share! For more information on attending this fun event, email us at littleblackdressclubboise@gmail.com!

Also we have a member of our group who is looking for books to add to her non-profit library assisting those in need. She is looking particularly for self-help, inspirational books however any book donated is a good book so if you have one or two you have been meaning to pass on here is your chance! Bring your books to the brunch event!

Hope to see you soon!

LBDC attends "If These Walls Could Talk," at the WCA

LBDC toured the Women's and Children's Alliance (WCA) on January 26 -- what an amazing experience! Last year the WCA provided 10,552 bed nights in their safe shelter for women and children escaping violence.

If weren't able to attend, the same tour is offered monthly. Tours are held from noon to 1 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of the month. Upcoming tours are February 8th, March 8th, April 12, and June 14. E-mail Susan Kelley, skelley@wcaboise.org, for more information or to reserve a place. They will even feed you lunch! If you have a lunch hour, free we encourage everyone to take the tour. Learn more about the WCA at www.wcaboise.org.

Learning Lab Lunch for Literacy, February 5 at noon

Join the Little Black Dress Club at the Learning Lab Lunch for Literacy luncheon and auction. This is a really fun event that benefits Learning Lab, the Treasure Valley's leading nonprofit adult basic skills and family literacy center!In addition to a delicious lunch, the event also features:

• A silent auction of fabulous first edition signed books and unique, themed baskets
• A moving speech from a Learning Lab student
• A guest author’s talk about the importance of literacy and learning
• A door prize drawing

There are eight seats available at the LBDC table and Sam has offered to be our table captain. If you'd like to attend and sit at the LBDC table, please email littleblackdressclubboise@gmail.com to let us know. We'll confirm there's a seat available and let you know how to buy your ticket.

• Event: Learning Lab's Lunch for LiteracyDate: Friday, Feb. 5
• Time: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (cocktails & auction 11 a.m.-12 p.m., luncheon and guest speakers 12-1:30 p.m.)
• Location: Boise CentreTicket Price: $50.00Web Site for More Information:
• http://www.learninglabinc.org/what-we-do/lunch-for-literacy.htm

We hope you'll be able to attend this fun and fabulous event with LBDC!

"If These Walls Could Talk," January 26, 5:30 p.m.

Undoubtedly, with the start of this new decade, we all have made resolutions...and because you are a member of the Little Black Dress Club, I would be surprised if you haven't thought briefly about becoming more involved in your community.

We are being given a wonderful opportunity to do just that, with a special invitation to take a tour of the the Women's and Children's Alliance, entitled "If These Walls Could Talk." This one-hour tour consists of descriptions of the services offered through the WCA, local statistics of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and finally, how we can help women and children through volunteering with this organization. If there is interest after the tour we can walk downtown to share conversation and perhaps a drink.

Tuesday, January 26, 5:30 p.m.
Women's and Children's Alliance
720 W. Washington, Boise

If you haven't received an Evite and would like to attend, please drop us a note at littleblackdressclubboise@gmail.com so we will know how many will be in attendance.

See you there!

Food, Friends and Fun at November House Party!

On Sunday, Nov. 15, about 25 ladies of Little Black Dress Club got together for a brunch filled with friends, fun and lots of food! Guests enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by LBDC members, sipped mimosas and learned more about the club and upcoming events. A special thanks to the ladies who became new members the brunch--we are excited you will be joining us for more friends, fun and philanthropy!