August 21, 2025

Second Annual Ball Gown Giveaway Empowers Military Women

News Summary

The Second Annual Ball Gown Giveaway in Coronado provides free dresses to military women and dependent wives lacking formal attire. Scheduled for September 6, the event aims to empower participants with stylish options while also encouraging the community to donate gently used dresses ahead of the event. With refreshments and a pampering atmosphere, the initiative, organized by Best PCS Ever, seeks to surpass last year’s collection of 190 dresses and support those who serve in the military.

Coronado, CA – The Second Annual Ball Gown Giveaway, sponsored by the Best PCS Ever group, is set to take place on September 6, providing a complimentary dress selection event for military women and dependent wives who may lack resources for formal attire. The aim of this initiative is to empower women in the military with stylish options for formal events.

The dress drive is currently accepting donations of gently used prom, cocktail dresses, and ball gowns at three designated locations in Coronado, with a final collection deadline on September 5. Last year, the event was successful in collecting 190 dresses, and organizers are hopeful to surpass that number this year.

The donated garments will be distributed during a private event at Graham Memorial Church from 2 PM to 4 PM on September 6. Women who have registered to attend are encouraged to experience a pampering atmosphere, free from family distractions. The event will feature refreshments, including nibbles and mocktails, providing visitors with a chance to socialize and try on dresses.

Currently, the collection predominantly includes smaller-sized dresses, with a particular need for medium to extra-large sizes. The organization is requesting the community to consider donating any new or gently used dresses they may have from past occasions.

The Ball Gown Giveaway is organized by Caitlyn Thiss, a media director at Best PCS Ever, who has a personal connection to the military as she grew up in a Navy family. She collaborates with Donna Dameron from Graham Memorial Church, supported by a team of 15 volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly. The church’s fellowship hall will be transformed into a shop-like setting, organized by size and enhanced with cabana-style dressing rooms for trying on dresses.

The organization Best PCS Ever, founded in 2018, is a non-profit that offers assistance to junior enlisted military families during their Permanent Change of Station (PCS). In addition to the Ball Gown Giveaway, Best PCS Ever provides a range of resources, including food and diaper distributions that impact 75 to 100 families monthly, as well as Thanksgiving boxes and a Christmas store serving over 200 children each year.

The Ball Gown Giveaway not only aims to meet the immediate needs of military women but also forms part of the broader outreach efforts coordinated through Graham Memorial Church. With the deadline for dress donations approaching, organizers encourage the community to contribute to this empowering initiative that aims to enrich the lives of those who serve and their families.

Interested donors can find drop-off locations and registration details on Best PCS Ever’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.