Over 3,400 pieces of jewelry collected for Broadway in Cincinnati and CINDERELLA’s “Bring the Bling” Drive benefiting Kenzie’s Closet
A small sampling of donations received. Photo by Libby Sherman-Kuhn.
Together with Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA, Broadway in Cincinnati held a jewelry drive to help make dreams come true for financially disadvantaged girls in the tri-state area. Patrons were encouraged to bring new or gently-used costume rhinestone jewelry when they came to see CINDERELLA at the Aronoff Center, January 6-18, and those donations went to the local non-profit organization Kenzie’s Closet. Over 3,400 jewelry items were donated including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, tiaras, hairpieces, pins and more. Kenzie’s Closet invites over 400 low-income high school students to shop for prom dresses and accessories each year, at no cost to these junior and senior high school students.
Broadway in Cincinnati donated over 200 tiaras.
“The response to our CINDERELLA-themed jewelry drive for Kenzie’s Closet has been absolutely overwhelming,” said Broadway in Cincinnati general manager Genevieve Miller Holt. “The generosity of our audience members and subscribers has been awe-inspiring. We are so grateful to all those people who havegiven a gift of confidence and self-worth to the girls who visit Kenzie’s Closet.”
Kathy Smith, executive director of Kenzie’s Closet, captured the feelings of the staff and volunteers at Kenzie’s Closet when they found out the totals for the donated jewelry from the Broadway in Cincinnati ‘Bring the Bling’ drive. “We are emotional, inspired, grateful and touched by the generosity of all of the jewelry donations. Those of us who work with these students as they experience their ‘Shopping Day’ at Kenzie’s Closet and then can attend their high school prom with their head held high, feeling proud and knowing that they are indeed beautiful – know that every one of these donations will mean the world to these young women.”
Cast members from the touring production of CINDERELLA at Kenzie’s Closet.
Kenzie’s Closet is the unique nonprofit boutique in Cincinnati, Ohio that provides complete prom outfits for financially-disadvantaged girls in the Greater Cincinnati tri-state region. Junior and senior high school women who have been referred to Kenzie’s Closet from their school principal, counselor or social service agency enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime magical afternoon and select their complete prom outfit, all provided at no cost to the student. More than 3,000 students, all at, or below, the federal poverty level have been helped over the last 9 years. The idea for Kenzie’s Closet was planted when Brynne Coletti discovered that one of her daughter’s classmates at St. Ursula Academy would not be attending her prom because of the expense. Brynne anonymously provided resources to help that student, and the seed was planted for developing a program that would help many more girls. “I 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,” said founder Brynne Coletti.
To volunteer at Kenzie’s Closet, to inquire about making a donation of a gently-used evening gown or bridesmaid dress appropriate for high school students, to make a cash donation, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.kenziescloset.org or call 513.733.7766.
Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. Making its home at downtown’s Aronoff Center, Broadway in Cincinnati contributes an average $35 million to the local economy each season, with an average attendance of more than 185,000 people per year. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 14/15 Season and the season is presented by TriHealth. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the 14/15 Cincinnati Season. More information is available at BroadwayInCincinnati.com.
BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com and is operated by John Gore (Owner & CEO). BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring musicals and plays in North America,operating in 40 markets. As a leading Broadway producer, BAA is dedicated to the development and production of new and diversetheatre. Current/upcoming productions include Beautiful, Million Dollar Quartet and Pippin. Past productions include Hairspray, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Memphis, Promises, Promises, The Producers, Betrayal and War Horse. Broadway.comis the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.
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