You shall go to the ball (in a preloved gown)
Going to a ball and have nothing to wear? Fear not! A former Cork Rose is spearheading a glamorous day of frock swapping to raise funds for an Irish charity working in Africa.
2022 Cork Rose of Tralee contestant, Jennifer Byrne, is organising the Bring a Dress, Buy a Dress event which invites people to donate their pre-loved ball gowns, and pick up something nearly-new in the process.
The unique event is happening on 28 September at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, where all funds raised will go to Brighter Communities Worldwide, an Irish charity working in partnership with communities in Kenya.
Jennifer, who is studying a PhD in International Development, is a long-time lover of gently used clothes and said they formed a huge part of her Rose of Tralee wardrobe. She is now urging people to “think second hand” in a bid to help the circular economy and aid sustainability, as well as raising much needed funds for Brighter Communities Worldwide.
“I made a conscious effort to include some second-hand pieces in my Rose wardrobe, and these ultimately became some of my favourite outfits,” said Jennifer.
“I sourced occasion dresses and ball gowns from local charity shops, and borrowed what I could from friends. During the Rose of Tralee Festival, many of us also swapped outfits and shared accessories, creating our own little sustainable community,” she added.
As a passionate advocate for sustainable development and community empowerment, Jennifer has combined her academic pursuits with her commitment to making a positive impact. Currently pursuing her PhD in International Development, she has focused her research on innovative solutions to global challenges, particularly in underprivileged communities.
Now, two years on from her Rose of Tralee experience, Jennifer is excited to marry her two passions as she works to help her chosen charity.
By taking part in next month’s Bring a Dress, Buy a Dress event, Jennifer said attendees will not only be saving beautiful dresses from landfill, but also supporting a really good cause.
“During my time as the Cork Rose, I also spoke a lot about my other passion – international development. Having studied International Development and Food Policy at UCC, and subsequently doing my PhD in the same area, I shared stories of my work in various charities throughout Ireland and abroad, hoping to inspire others into the same area,” explained Jennifer.
Brighter Communities World works tirelessly in partnership with local communities in Kenya to create sustainable and lasting change through education, health, and economic empowerment initiatives. Its unique model of working has paid dividends, making real improvements to the quality of life that people can enjoy.
Jennifer continued: “I have always loved dressing up, ever since I was a little girl. Even now, any chance I have to don a ball gown, I will grab with
both hands.
“The Buy a Dress, Bring a Dress is not just about finding a beautiful dress; it’s about coming together as a community to support a cause that can make a real difference in people’s lives,” she concluded.