Piedmont’s Campus Activity Board (CAB) continued a tradition started by alumna Maghan Holmes: an annual Little Black Dress Event to benefit Circle of Hope. Brooke Martin and Rylee Roberts, both active members of CAB, took the initiative and  the leadership roles in planning the 2nd Annual Little Black Dress Event. The event was held in the Student Center on March 22 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Admission into the event was a few toiletry items in a gently used purse to give to battered women and their children. 

The event was full of games and activities, including a musical performance by Piedmont’s own Lydie Koffi, a Little Black Dress Race, and a social hour with refreshments.

“We wanted to continue it from last year to help Circle of Hope,” said sophomores Martin and Roberts.

Tables were staggered in the Student Center with table clothes and center pieces as if in an elegant restaurant. The signature colors of the event black, white, and purple effortlessly roamed in the room. 

Gentle pop music set a positive atmosphere. Dainty finger foods and refreshments waited upon arrival as the social hour began.

The 2nd Annual Little Black Dress Event had the sole purpose of bringing awareness to Circle of Hope, an agency that helps victims of domestic violence. Guest peaker Ginger Tanner, community awareness coordinator at Circle of Hope, spoke about the agency.

“Circle of Hope is for women and children in Habersham, Stevens and White counties. [It] provides a shelter, a 24 hour crisis hotline, support groups, outreach programs and legal advocacy,” said Tanner. 

Tanner also talked about the importance of toiletry items for the agency. “Toiletry items are typically forgotten when a victim leaves a home. They are just thinking that they need to get out. So the items we collect are used to make welcome packages that cover everything that they need, so they can have a peaceful night.”

The Little Black Dress Event is an easy way for Piedmont students to contribute to local non-profit organizations. “I like being able to help the women from Circle of Hope,” said sophomore Kallie Robinson.

The classic Little Black Dress Race was not forgotten this year. The Race consisted of running around in the Student Center to fill the purses with supplies specifically listed on a piece of paper in the bag; the first person who filled the purses with the supplies the fastest won.

 It was a close race between Lydie Koffi and Maghan Holmes. In the end, Holmes swept the victory and won a 10 dollar Wal-Mart gift card.

After the race, Koffi played the keyboard and sang Whiney Houston’s “I Look to You.” The song was beautifully sung and captivated the attention of all the attendees.

To conclude the event the dance floor was open and attendees danced to popular dance hits, such as the Cha-Cha Slide, the Cupid Shuffle, the Wobble, and many more.Sophomore Melanie Cassiday said she had been ready to “pounce on the dance floor.”

Overall, the event was a success. “It was pretty fun. It seemed like everyone who came enjoyed it,” said freshman Kayla Cantrell.

Maghan Holmes, who created the event, was proud to see the tradition carrying on.

“It was amazing. I give props to Brooke and Rylee,” said Holmes. 

“It’s inspiring to know that there is a possibility for this to carry on years and years. I look forward to Piedmont continuing to impact the community.”