Giving The Glam - Prom 2020 by Giving the Glam

NON-PROFIT ORG

PROM 2020

Giving the Glam Unleashing The Power Of Giving To Provide The Opportunity Of A Lifetime Prom Experience

THE

WHERE CHARITY MEETS GLAM ON PROM DAY

PROM 2020

Our Mission

THE

Giving The Glam provides an incredible prom experience for underserved urban and suburban high school seniors. We cover the cost of all attire and accessories for students who couldn’t otherwise afford to participate in their prom. Students are given an opportunity to attend their event in style, while we make a large impact on their self-esteem and confidence. “My past has given me the gift of giving.” Maristela Rapo – Founder

www.givingtheglam.org

About Us

THE

Giving The Glam is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Massachusetts. It was created and established in 2014 by philanthropist Maristela Rapo and her daughter Alexis Rapo. Alexis introduced her mother to the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) program coordinator from her school, Dover-Sherborn. Maristela worked with the coordinator to identify underserved students who would benefit from this program. We work with young men and women who all come from different backgrounds and are each being faced with unique challenges. Giving The Glam comes into their lives and helps guide and motivate them to overcome their challenges by building their self-esteem and by acquiring a newfound confidence to help them create a viable plan for their own future. Our organization helps financially challenged teens enjoy their high school prom experience. Each participant is provided with everything he or she will need to enjoy the prom in style – gowns, tuxedos, accessories, hair and makeup, professional photos, a video and car service to the venue. But in the end, it’s not so much about the clothes, hair and makeup as it is about the rite of passage. From the young person’s point of view, it’s the opportunity and experience of a lifetime. Students are selected in coordination with Massachusetts Student Grant Programs including the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) and the Boston Police Department’s District B-3 Community Service Officers. Giving The Glam is making a difference in people’s lives. Perhaps one of last year’s students put it best: “To get compliments was not only nice to hear, but also empowering. It made me feel a new confidence in myself that I never knew I could have. That is exactly how I felt on my prom night…and how I still feel today.”

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Season Work Process

THE

While prom season doesn’t come around until May, the Giving The Glam process starts early in January. First, the team helps each candidate choose his tuxedo or her dress. The next step is the fitting and by the middle of March we have completed the fittings. During March and April, our team starts choosing accessories to make sure that all candidates are dressed their very best. As May and June come around, the big day finally arrives. The entire Giving The Glam team comes together for makeup, hair, manicure and to give the outfits the final touch. Prom is an unforgettable milestone for these students and Giving The Glam gives them the opportunity to attend the prom, make life long memories, and build confidence.

www.givingtheglam.org

Founders MARISTELA RAPO I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I grew up in a very impoverished community and with that came many challenges. There were many times where I couldn’t participate in certain activities because my family simply couldn’t afford it. It was very difficult to feel left out in these situations, as many of my friends were lucky enough to be able to afford these privileges.

Maristela Rapo Founder and President, Giving The Glam Maristela@givingtheglam.org

When I was 17 years old, I moved from Brazil to Europe where my passion for fashion was ofﬁcially born! I am the former proprietor of two high-end boutiques, Wolford and Giuseppe Zanotti. After so many years in the fashion industry, I ﬁnally found a way to use my fashion expertise to make a difference and give back to all community! “My past has given me the gift of giving!

ALEXIS RAPO Alexis Rapo is the daughter of Maristela Rapo and is one of the founders of Giving The Glam. Her career in Giving the Glam started in 2014, when Alexis connected Maristela Rapo with the METCO coordinator from Dover-Sherborn High School, knowing that Maristela could use her fashion expertise to help a kid in need, and from there, Giving The Glam was formed. Alexis has a very tight bond with this program, and she dedicates a lot of her time helping alongside her mother. You can find her helping pick out gowns with the girls, making the final adjustments on fitting days, or find her dancing with the participants on their prom day. Alexis loves helping make a difference in these kids’ lives!

Alexis Rapo Founder, Giving The Glam Alexis@givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Alexis was never into fashion; she preferred playing soccer for her high school varsity soccer team at Dover-Sherborn high school. Alexis is currently in her sophomore year at Boston University where she is studying pre-law. After undergrad, Alexis plans on going to law school to pursue a law degree.

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

SOCIAL IMPACT Giving The Glam is able to help financially challenged students feel included in their high school communities. Far too often these individuals are left out of many experiences due to no fault of their own and for them to finally experience this inclusion is an amazing thing to witness. Giving the Glam creates an experience that they will never forget.

www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

NEED Financial constraints put unnecessary burdens on students and serve to alienate them from the rest of their student body at a time when they most need community. Giving The Glam attempts to fill this need by giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy a high school prom, regardless of financial circumstances. By developing their self-confidence, we prepare these young people for the next chapter in their lives.

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Congratulations

PROM 2020

Giving the Glam 2020 helped 3 high school students from 3 schools in Massachusetts.

www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

STUDENT: FAITH SCHOOL: CARDINAL CUSHING DRESS: JOVANI

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

FAITH Before Faith was born her mother was told that her baby had a heart defect which could be repaired after her birth. She came three weeks early because her mother was in a car accident on the way to a doctor’s appointment. Faith was born on July 29, 1998 with Down Syndrome. When she was three months old, she had successful heart surgery. When Faith was ready to start school, her mother advocated for her to be in an inclusion program. She wanted to assure that her daughter was among typically developing peers. At age three she enrolled in the Patrick O’Hearn School, now named Henderson Inclusion School in Dorchester, MA. A very important part of Faith’s life was the birth of her sister Ebony who is 18 months younger. The girls were inseparable and as they got older, they attended inclusion summer camps together. They enjoyed performing in talent shows where they could sing and dance as a duo.

www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

FAITH At the age of 22 Faith graduated from high school. Faith’s mother shared that this was a difficult time because in the world of special needs, people are no longer served by public education. Faith’s life had lost its focus. Fortunately, she had already been chosen to participate in the 2020 Giving The Glam prom event. Although the big event was canceled due to the COVID pandemic, Maristela chose Faith as one of three students for whom she would create a special prom event at her home. The big day was July 23, 2020. Faith had picked a beautiful red dress. She had her hair, nails and makeup professionally done. The party included music, dancing and a cake. The guests were family members and Giving The Glam volunteers. This was a truly once in a lifetime experience for Faith. She felt like a princess whose fairy godmother was Maristela. In March 2021, Faith suffered a stroke. During her recovery she enjoyed looking at the pictures from her party and shared with the hospital staff that she was going to walk in a fashion show. They used her excitement to motivate her during therapy. Today Faith will tell people to Google her and she likes to share her party pictures on her iPad.

10 Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

STUDENT: JULLIAN SCHOOL: FRAMINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL DRESS: JOVANI www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

JULLIAN Jullian was born in Brazil and moved to the United States at the age of fifteen. Her early childhood was difficult because she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She studied in several schools in Brazil because inclusion there is difficult and many people are prejudiced toward those with disabilities. Her mother believes that her daughter’s willpower and the family’s faith in God helped make her the successful young woman she is today. When Julian arrived in the US, she started to attend high school. Although she has some learning problems, she managed to overcome all obstacles and graduate from high school at the age of nineteen. In December of 2019, Jullian was chosen by Giving the Glam. She said, “I was very happy because I would receive a princess day at my graduation.”

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

JULLIAN On January 7, 2020 she met Maristela and they set the date for her to choose her dress. Due to the COVID 19 epidemic, all plans were suspended. Classes were canceled as were the big Giving the Glam events. Jullian was devastated, sad and inconsolable. She was in the house for months when something wonderful happened. Maristela called on August 26th to ask if she still wanted to attend a graduation party. Of course, Jullian said yes. She was able to find her dream dress and then on September 27th she was given her special party. She said, “My princess day was happening. I was the most special person in this life that day. I danced, laughed and cried with happiness. I want to thank everyone who was present on that special day and to thank Maristela Rapo and the Giving the Glam team for bringing back my dream.”

www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

STUDENT: JONATHAN SCHOOL: BCLA DRESS: CLASSIC TUX

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

JONATHAN In August 1998, Jonathan was born to the Norvin family as the youngest of four. His parents and siblings were overjoyed to welcome him to the family! As a baby, Jonathan developed typically and enjoyed playing with family, making baby sounds, being outdoors and listening to music. At age two, Jonathan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a speech delay. The prognosis was tough. As a family, we were totally taken aback; we had never really heard of Autism and had no clue what that would mean for our baby. What we did know is that we would not give up on him. With the love and help of his family, teachers and specialists, Jonathan began attending school at age three. Through these years of schooling, Jonathan has made some progress in communication but is nonverbal. More recently, Jonathan attended the Boston Community Leadership Academy where he enjoyed the support of his teachers and programs like community excursions and training. As we were working out Jonathan’s transition plan for his learning beyond high school, the Covid-19 pandemic hit. In addition to having to adapt to remote learning and watching the routines and activities that he was used to drastically change, all the end of year celebrations like prom and graduation were cancelled or significantly changed. It felt like Jonathan and our family wouldn’t have a chance to celebrate all of his work and achievements in the ways we had hoped and looked forward to. Everything had come to a halt.

www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

JONATHAN Giving the Glam came in and gave Jonathan and our family an opportunity of a lifetime. Even though our plans for celebration came to a halt, Martistela and her team showed us that we could still celebrate Jonathan’s journey with safety and in style! From beginning to end, our experience with Giving the Glam has been like a fairy tale. We were amazed by the level of compassion, acceptance and love exuded by the team. We were welcomed to Newbury Street for Jonathan’s first tuxedo fitting. He felt like a star and tapped his shiny shoes as he looked in the mirror. On August 11, 2020, a limousine picked up Jonathan and our whole family and drove to the Giving The Glam showroom for professional pictures. We were then escorted to a classy restaurant to celebrate Jonathan’s graduation in Giving the Glam style. He enjoyed fine dining and fun with Maristela and her team members. Coincidentally, it was also his birthday and he was surprised when a birthday cake arrived at our table. He clapped and blew out the candles. He knew that this special day was just for him! Maristela is a God-send-- a true angel! This day was nothing short of a miracle, and an experience that we will treasure for years to come. Thank you Giving the Glam!

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Glam Accessories

ACCESSORIES: MACYS, DSW, THE ACCESSORY, FRUGAL FANNIE’S www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Beauty

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Our Team in Action

www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Our Team in Action

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Together, we accomplished a lot in 2020.

Unfortunately, in 2020 due to the unexpected conditions of COVID-19 pandemic, we could not provide the planned prom experience to the group of one hundred and eighty selected students. Besides all the cancelations we still could organize a private event for three of the special needs students who were graduating and would not have the opportunity to have a celebration in the future. We the help of a group of volunteers these three young students had an unforgettable experience to remember. www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

The program has helped over 500 students since it was founded in 2014.

*2021

2020

52 STUDENTS

3 STUDENTS

2019

2018

2017

157 STUDENTS

130 STUDENTS

83 STUDENTS

2016

2015

2014

52 STUDENTS

20 STUDENTS

1 STUDENT

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

*Unfortunately, in 2020 due to the unexpected conditions of COVID-19 pandemic, we could not provide the planned prom experience to the group of one hundred and eighty selected students. We were still able to organize and provide a private event for three of the special needs students who were graduating and would not have the opportunity to enjoy a celebration in the future. With the help of a group of volunteers these three students had an unforgettable experience to remember. **Giving The Glam’s goal for 2021 is to provide a memorable prom day for fifty-two high school students from five schools in Massachusetts. We set our yearly goals with the intent of helping as many students as we can. These goals are only reached with the commitment and strong support of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, core staff and other professionals with whom we collaborate. Providing a quality experience to our participants takes precedence over rapidly increasing the numbers of those we serve. The aim of our organization is excellence in all we do. We are proud to announce that our plans to 2022 is to expand our project and serve on school in New York City. Giving The Glam will provide an outstanding prom experience to a group of selected students from the Longwood Preparatory Academy in Bronx.

www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Giving the Glam • Prom 2019

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Give The Glam On The News

Giving the Glam would like to express our gratitude to our local news media for the coverage of our organization. The positive exposure given to our project provides the community with an excellent introduction to our goals and services. We would especially like to thank Boston Herald, NECN, NBC Chanel 10 Boston, WCVB News Boston, WBZTV Boston, Tauton Daily News, Wicked Local Needham, Wicked Local Dover, Wicked Local Sharon, Globo Internacional and Boston Voyager Magazine.

www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

Thank You To Our 2020 Donors and Sponsors Although in 2020 due to the unexpected conditions of COVID-19 pandemic we were not able to host our annual fundraiser event nor provide the planned prom experience to all our students. We are thankful to our individual and corporate donor partners, sponsors and volunteers for their generosity and confidence in our cause.

Sponsors and Donors

Rob Gibbs – Pro Blak Graffiti

Supporters Le Limo Helena Martin – Marketing Associate The Accessories Store Frugal Fannie’s

Kendall Press Fabio Tersarotto, Signage Company Edison Oliveira, Framingham Station Brazilian Restaurant

Special Thank You Boston Policy B-3 Community Service Officer Since 2015 helping us make the difference.

@givingtheglam

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

GivingtheGlam

P Youtube.com/GivingTheGlam

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020 Thank You To Our Team, Sponsors, Donors, and Volunteers GIVING THE GLAM

VOLUNTEERS

Maristela Rapo, Founder & President Alexis Rapo, Founder

Dinaja Simone, Fashion Assistant Thomas Wycheck, Fashion Assistant Tia Heaslewwod, Fashion Assistant Ross Cullington, Image Marketing Consultant Christine Cole, Fashion Assistant Juju Ivan Costa, Volunteer

GIVING THE GLAM ADVISORY BOARD Monique M. Veale, Director of Outreach Dan Burger, Board Member Andrea K. Yanoff, Board Member Shariane Hillier, Board Member Cynthia Brewington, Board Member

PUBLICIST Peggy Rose

COMMUNITY SERVICE PARTNER

CATALOG PRODUCTION

Boston Policy B-3 Community Service Officer

Helena Martin - MKT Communications

BEAUTY

WEB DESIGNER

Alessandra Sousa, Hair Extension Specialist Thamyres Alcanja, Hair & Makeup Specialist Cezar Chiavazzoli, Hair Stylist Diego Chiavazzoli, Makeup Artist Jozy Felix, Nails Specialist

Daniel Alcanja

PHOTO AND AUDIO Alex Lamin, Photographer Suelen Lamin, Photographer Stephany Miranda YUM FILMS, Videographer

SEAMSTRESS Sandra Dantas Designers

INTERNET www.givingtheglam.org

EMAIL maristela@givingtheglam.org

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/GivingtheGlam

INSTAGRAM @givingtheglam

PHONE (617) 694-1108

YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/givingtheglam

www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

SUPPORT A STUDENT

SPONSORSHIP $10,000 - Grand Benefactor $5,000 - Benefactor $2,500 - Partner

SUPPORTER $1,000 $750 $500 $250 $100 $50 -

Full prom experience for a young lady Full prom experience for a young man Dress and accessories Tuxedo and accessories Hair and make-up on prom day Glam’s Supporter

Giving The Glam wants to continue to give the opportunity to deserving high school students to have a memorable experience on their prom day. With your support we can continue our efforts to help a greater number of students in our community have this unforgettable opportunity.

MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! ONLINE Make a via credit card on our secure site: www.givingtheglam.org

Giving the Glam • Prom 2020

MAIL Send your check payable, by mail to: Giving The Glam, Inc 83 Morse Street, Suite 4E 02062 Norwood, MA

THE

Connect With Us! Facebook: GivingTheGlam Instagram: @givingtheglam Youtube: Youtube.com/GivingTheGlam GIVING THE GLAM Norwood Space Center 83 Morse Street, Suite 4E, Norwood, MA 02062 Telephone: (617) 694-1108 maristela@givingtheglam.org

www.givingtheglam.org

PROM 2021 NEWS! We are proud to have Jovani Fashion as a Giving The Glam official sponsor.

THE

GIVING THE GLAM – PROM 2020 www.givingtheglam.org

THE

GIVING THE GLAM – PROM 2020 www.givingtheglam.org

THE

G Givingtheglam @givingtheglam

m maristela@givingtheglam.org P Youtube.com/GivingTheGlam