2023 Little Black Dress Initiative
#LBDIJLL2023 @jrleaguelynchburg #JLLynchburg
October 23-27, 2023
Are you ready for the 2023 LBDI Week?
Get out your black attire and join the Junior League of Lynchburg as we kick off another year of raising awareness and funds to aid with advocating and educating the community on period poverty!
Our goal this year is to raise $13,500 to help in the fight against period poverty and increase women’s access to necessary hygiene products.
LBDI Schedule of Events
October 20: LBDI Kick Off At Rhodora
Join us at Rhodora on Church Street on Friday, October 20th from 5pm to 8pm as we kick off LBDI week! Wear your black dress as we shop and sip with our Church Street neighbor.
5:30PM-8PM
Rhodora 1103 Church Street Lynchburg, VA
P.A.D Center Donation Drop Off Locations
- Rhodora – 1103 Church Street.
Help us change the cycle!
Join the Junior League of Lynchburg’s fundraising efforts for our annual Little Black Dress Initiative (October 23-27) a week-long awareness campaign and fundraiser illustrating the restrictions poverty places on choices, opportunities, and access to resources. Visit our Give Lively account to donate today.
History of the Junior League of Lynchburg’s LBDI
In 2016, the JLL began a new venture entitled The Little Black Dress Initiative. The LBDI is a fundraising campaign that aims to bring awareness to women facing distress, whether it be poverty, violence, or inequality. It exemplifies the JLL’s mission to empower women in the community. For one entire week in October, participants wear one black dress, or other black attire, to highlight the effect distressful situations can have on a woman’s access to resources, confidence, and opportunities.
As a first year campaign, the JLL raised over $6,500 that was provided to the YWCA of Central Virginia to support their Domestic Violence Prevention Center and Sexual Assault Response Program. In its second year (2017), the JLL’s goal was to raise $10,000. This goal was exceeded. A total of $11,797.86 was provided to the YWCA of Central Virginia’s DVPC and SARP; funds were primarily used to support the creation of a new economic empowerment program through the Allstate Foundation. During the 2018 campaign week, in addition to wearing a little black dress or other black attire along with a LBDI “Ask me about my little black dress” button, participants were encouraged to donate to the CrowdRise fundraising page. Supporters also had the option of dining at six local restaurants the week of the event that graciously offered to donate a portion of their sales to the LBDI (Chipotle – Wards Road, Texas Roadhouse, Crisp, Blaze, East Coast Wings, and Mister Goodies). A total of $9,500 was raised, supporting our League, the YWCA of Central Virginia, and The Motherhood Collective. Funds that support the League go toward funding diverse leadership development opportunities such that our members gain the tools they need to successfully impact and improve our community. The Junior League of Lynchburg extends its gratitude to those who have supported our initiative each year!