Gowns of Giving provides nonprofits with the opportunity to win cash prizes up to $5,000 by designing a dress that is representative of their mission and goals for the coming year. The dresses are available for viewing.
The community has the option to view and vote for the dress they most prefer, while also learning about local organizations and their functions.
Participation Requirements
Lakeside Shopping Center provides the participating nonprofits with mannequins and up to $150 in reimbursement for design supplies. Display design took place on November 13 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Lakeside gave volunteers complementary snacks as they worked.
Organizations had to formally enter the competition by October 24 and are required to begin display removal before or after mall hours following Christmas Day and no later than December 31.
[Courtesy of Lakeside Shopping Center, Website]
Jefferson Performing Arts' Display
Jefferson Performing Arts (JPA) is participating in the showcase, using the wedding dress from their 2024-2025 production of Waitress: The Musical. Images from the production are captured in photo ornaments and hung upon the base dress.
JPA's mission is to complement the culture and economy of Jefferson Parish and the Gulf South by promoting various programming in the performing arts. This is achieved through performance, arts training and education, and experience in venue management.
A major focus for JPA in 2026 is to expand access to their children's program JPA Theatre Kids: Musical Theatre Intensive Camps. It is funded by the Miriam Gonsoulin Scholarship Fund, a financial endeavor by performer and supporter Wayne Gonsoulin, as a means of honoring the memory of his wife Miriam.
Judging Process
Not only is the showcase a great opportunity for a nonprofit to receive publicity, but they also have the opportunity to receive cash prizes, which can fund their demonstrated missions.
A judge panel will select first, second, and third place winners by scoring in the categories of appearance and craftsmanship, creativity and design, and the effective display of the nonprofit's mission.
There is also an award granted by the community, the People's Choice Award, which opens voting to Lakeside shoppers. Patrons must vote between now and December 9 by scanning the exhibits' available codes.
Voters can submit their favorite gown via email, and duplicate emails will be removed once the People's Choice Award is calculated.
The winner of this award will receive $800, third place receives $1,500, second place receives $3,000, and first place receives $5,000.
An awards night will take place December 11 at 6 p.m. for all participating non-profits. The celebration with provided food and beverages will be located by the Fountain in the Pottery Barn Wing.
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