Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI)

Little Black Dress Initiative Week
Little Black Dress Gala

 

What is LBDI?

Little Black Dress Initiative (#LBDI) is a week-long awareness and fundraising campaign that harnesses the power of social media and doing something “a little different” in order to educate people about local issues in our community.At the end of the week we hold the annual gala to bring people together for education, fun and fundraising. We aim to raise awareness for our cause and funds to support it.

In Colorado Springs, our LBDI will underscore children aging out of the foster care system, with the hopes to prevent them from falling into the trap of homelessness, drug abuse or human trafficking.  Our goal is to raise funds to provide life skills assistance and mentorship to help guide foster care teens in the successful transition from the foster system to independent living.

Quick Facts about our Cause

  • 1/2 of all foster children will end up homeless within two years of “aging out” of the system.
  • A 1/3 of chronically homeless adults are former foster children.
  • 50% of the entire prison population grew up in foster care.
  • Young women from foster care are 5X more likely to become pregnant compared to their peers.

Learn more about the Fostering Change Fund HERE!

LBDI Advocates wear the same black dress (or outfit) for five (5) consecutive days to illustrate the restrictions poverty places on choices, opportunities, and access to resources.  By wearing a button that reads “Ask Me About My Dress,” Advocates invite dialogue among colleagues, friends, and strangers to raise awareness about children that are aging out of the foster care system.

About the Gala

Our annual LBDI Gala will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd 2023, 6:00-8:30pm at The Creekside Event Center.

The event includes a 3-course meal (click here to view the menu), silent auction, balloon pop, and a keynote address. Your attendance supports the Fostering Change Fund, and you will walk away with education and resources to support Colorado Springs youth aging out of the foster care system..

* Attire for this event is formal.

When do these events happen?

Our League will participate in the LBDI March 14th – March 21st, 2023.
The LBDI Gala takes place on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023.

How can I participate?

There are three (3) ways in which you can show your support for the Junior League of Colorado Springs and its Little Black Dress Initiative:

Attend the 2023 LBDI In-Person Gala at The Creekside Event Center on Wednesday, March 22nd. Tickets and sponsorships are limited!

Attend in formal attire and enjoy a 3-course meal, a keynote address,  silent auction and more!

Tickets available NOW

Wear the same little black dress or ensemble every day from March 14th – March 21st, 2023 to promote conversation within your immediate communities!

Follow along on our social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) and make a difference today! When posting/sharing use the following #JLCS #AskMeAboutMyDress

Can’t attend an event but still want to support the cause?

Make a donation to the League’s Little Black Dress Initiative here.

 

 

Interested in sponsoring this event?

Click HERE to access our 2023 LBDI Sponsorship packet, and reach out to jlcslbdi@gmail.com for more information.