The Girls Run the World Club (GRTW) at the Octorara Junior-Senior High School will hold its annual Dress to Express Positive Prom Showcase on Friday, March 10. During the event, club members will model some of the prom dresses and suits that are available for students to "purchase" from Kacie's Kloset in exchange for donations of nonperishable food items for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard.

The showcase will be held in the high school auditorium during the school day for juniors and seniors. A second show, open to the entire community at no charge, will be held that evening beginning at 6 p.m. in the junior high MPR room.

Betsy Gillan and Tracey Polito from Kacie's Cause will be on hand to provide information about the nonprofit organization, which promotes awareness of and education about drug abuse. The charity is named for Kacie Rumford, who died at the age of 23 from an overdose.

Together, Kacie's Cause and GRTW run Kacie's Kloset at the high school, offering a wide assortment of donated prom gowns in all sizes and styles. Also offered are shoes, purses and a small selection of tuxedos.

"Kacie's Kloset is important for (students) because it's a fantastic way to 'purchase' a formal gown or suit for dances, homecoming and prom," said Tina O'Connor, GRTW adviser, a licensed professional counselor from Experience Positive Therapy in Parkesburg. "These garments were donated through Forever Formals, a dress shop, and the local community."

Modeled after a boutique, dresses in Kacie's Kloset are sorted by size and displayed on racks. There are also separate shelves containing shoes and accessories. Dress donations from the community are added to the room on an ongoing basis.

O'Connor explained that GRTW is an after-school mentoring program that meets on Mondays from September through March. Topics discussed during the meetings include building self-esteem and confidence. "(We encourage them) to live their best life," said O'Connor, noting that the girls also work on accepting themselves as they are, and they learn about having healthy relationships.

O'Connor believes that walking down the runway is something that should be celebrated, and she encourages the community to attend the showcase. "It is important for the community to attend that night," she said. "Your attendance and support can help fuel those feelings of acceptance and confidence. Being embraced by the community builds strong leaders and reduces the likelihood of chemical dependency."

In addition to O'Connor, volunteers who will contribute to the effort include professional photographer Shelly McKenna, who will take photos of each of the girls; Experience Positive Therapy intern Lauren Thatcher; Kelsey Demsky, who will provide dress alterations; and Kate Dill, the Octorara guidance counselor. Hair and makeup will be provided by several community salons.

Octorara Junior-Senior High School is located at 226 Highland Road, Atglen. For more information about Kacie's Cause, visit http://www.facebook.com/KaciesCauseParkesburg.