Kenzie's Closet Launches 9th Year of Service. Provides Prom Attire for Students with Financial Need.

Online, February 19, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Kenzie's Closet®, the unique nonprofit boutique in Cincinnati, Ohio, has launched its ninth year of service providing prom attire for young ladies attending accredited high schools in the Tri-State area. Services are provided at no cost to Juniors and Seniors with financial need. The organization will host 15 'Prom Shopping Days' this spring.

Young junior and senior high school women who have been referred to Kenzie's Closet from their school principal, counselor or social service agency will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime magical afternoon and select their complete prom outfit. On their scheduled 'Shopping Day', the students are greeted by a volunteer who walks them through the process of selecting their perfect dress, shoes, a purse, jewelry, and a wrap for their special night, within the setting of a beautifully-decorated private boutique setting. There is no cost to the student.

Kenzie's Closet has helped more than 2,500 students over the past eight years. Achieving this goal was made possible by the generosity of a vibrant group of more than 300 volunteers, donations of prom dresses, financial contributions, and the generosity of small and large local business support. Approximately 500 girls from 60 area schools will be served during this 2014 spring prom season. Students come from the inner-city, suburban and rural schools, and most have family household incomes of less than $22,000. The students' names are submitted by high school guidance counselors, principals and social service agencies.

Kathy Smith, executive director of Kenzie's Closet, commented, "We are seeing an enthusiastic response from our schools and social service agencies requesting support for their junior or senior high school girls. These young women count on Kenzie's Closet to help them create an unforgettable memory of their high school prom. Poverty is not a reason for these young women to miss their prom."

Miss Smith continued, "The experience goes far beyond one dream evening for these girls. Many have never had the chance of feeling special, pampered, 'dressed up'. Every 'Shopping Day' is the first step for our students' prom dream to come true. Helping these young students attend their high school prom - feeling proud and beautiful - is the reason our volunteers work hard all year. We see the hope and joy in the girls' eyes."

Brynne Coletti, founder of the organization, remarked that she never dreamed that the idea for Kenzie's Closet nine years ago would become such an integral nonprofit organization in the Greater Cincinnati community. "I am grateful for the inspiring contributions of so many who help us continue with this mission."

Mrs. Coletti explained that "some of our volunteers serve as 'personal shopper guides'; others help with sewing and alterations; seamstress-type tasks; and many others help us with sorting and stocking. Our volunteers are other young high school girls, college students, mothers, aunts, executives, and retired women. The two things that unite all of our volunteers are their giving hearts and their gentle souls."

Kenzie's Closet was named after Makena 'Kenzie' Anne Comisar, who was tragically killed in a single-car accident in 2002 before she was able to attend her senior prom. Kenzie was a student at St. Ursula Academy in Cincinnati, and was known for her big heart and her generosity.

Kenzie's Closet is active on social media, including Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kenzies-Closet and Twitter at @Kenzies_Closet

For information on how to volunteer at Kenzie's Closet, donate dresses and accessories, or offer financial support to Kenzie's Closet, please visit www.kenziescloset.org or call 513.533-PROM (513.533.7766).

Kenzie's Closet is located at 2010 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208.

About Kenzie's Closet®:

Kenzie's Closet® provides prom attire for young ladies attending accredited high schools in the Tri-State area. Services are provided at no cost to Juniors and Seniors with financial need.

For more information, visit www.kenziescloset.org or call 513.533-PROM (513.533.7766.)