Dress Best for Less Presents $50,000 to PEF

The Piedmont Education Foundation is pleased to announce another generous donation of $50,000 from Piedmont’s own local resale shop, Dress Best For Less (DBFL).  The gift was presented to PEF at the October 20 Board of Director’s meeting.

Formed in 1982 by a group of forward-thinking Piedmont parents who decided to support the schools by collecting unneeded household items and clothing to sell to the community, the group was given an unused room at Havens School and grew quickly to form a successful non-profit, Dress Best for Less, with a storefront on Piedmont Avenue, and a marking room on Magnolia Ave across from PHS.  DBFL shops offer affordable quality vintage and gently used clothing and decor.  Residents can also support the schools by donating gently used items at the Marking Room at 799 Magnolia Ave in Piedmont. Today, DBFL is the largest donor to PEF with over $1 million donated in the last thirty years and $120,000 donated last year alone.

The check was presented by DBFL liaison to PEF Peggy Chan to PEF Chair Christine Wente von Metzsch amidst cheers and fanfare from the PEF board.  Says Wente von Metzsch,  “We are extremely fortunate that DBFL is committed to our schools — their annual contribution supports roughly the equivalent of two full-time teachers.  DBFL makes a difference!”  She adds, “A local resale shop is an incredible resource — we are so lucky.  When cleaning closets, there’s no question where our hand-me-downs will go!  On the flipside, it’s the best place to find fun bargains.”   Look for popular sales, like half-price Halloween decor and costumes for going on now or sales of ski equipment and clothing through November 5.

DBFL President Gayle Sells is proud of her organization’s longstanding history of supporting the Piedmont schools: “Supporting education in our community is a priority for us — and donating to PEF ensures our contributions have an impact at each school site.”  

PEF is the only local education nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting comprehensive programs at all Piedmont schools. PEF raises more than $2.5 million annually for the K-12 Piedmont public schools, is the steward for an Endowment valued at nearly $6 million and actively engages the community on behalf of the schools. Visit www.PiedmontEdFoundation.org to learn more.

PEF Board Members pictured, left to right – Front:  DBFL Liaison Peggy Chan, PEF Chair Christine Wente von Metzsch, Cory Smegal; middle: Shanti Brien, Molly Ashford, Abby Scott, Bill Reichle; back:  Mary Lou Righellis, Sarah Puckett, Doug Okun, Clarence Mamuyac. 

Photo credit:  Mary Ireland