Even a late-season snowstorm couldn't keep everyone away

Dozens of young women and parents waited patiently outside the seventh annual Prom and Wedding Dress Sale at Penn's Peak before it began on Tuesday.Unfortunately, the storm eventually closed some of the surrounding roads, although organizers braved the elements and remained open.To give everyone who wanted to attend a chance, the sale was extended for a couple hours Wednesday afternoon."We still managed to make over $700 (on Tuesday)," said Julianne Brixius, marketing and public relations coordinator for Blue Ridge Communications."The bad weather wasn't stopping some people from getting a great dress for a great price and a great cause."The total amount raised between both days was less than in the past, but every dollar is important."I am very pleased with the tur out for this year's dress sale. Considering how terrible the weather was and many roads being closed, many people braved the storm to raise around $1,000 for Dream Come True, Blue Ridge Chapter."Those who made it were there for a chance to buy new or gently used prom and wedding dresses at bargain prices. Most of the dresses sold for just $10. There was also an assortment of low-priced shoes, bags and accessories.Those who found the perfect dress weren't the only ones to benefit. Every dollar from the sale will be donated to Dream Come True, Blue Ridge Chapter.The annual dress sale has raised more than $15,000 for Dream Come True over the past six years, said Brixius."Dream Come True is such a great cause. The support we've had for this dress sale is amazing," Brixius said.The local chapter of Dream Come True was founded in 2004 and fulfills the dreams of children who are seriously, chronically or terminally ill in Carbon County and portions of Schuylkill, Lehigh and Monroe counties.Brixius noted that most "dreams" can cost thousands of dollars. Local dreams have ranged from trips to Disney World to meeting celebrities and building a playhouse.This year's sale attracted about 500 new dress donations and lots of inquiries."I get phone calls and questions all the time, even a few months before we do the sale," said Brixius. "We get a really good reaction from the public. It seems like people look forward to it every year."She noted that it's not just the children who are having their dreams come true: The sale also allows girls to wear an affordable but beautiful, gently used dress for their prom or special occasion."People who might not be able to afford an expensive prom dress can find a nice dress for a reasonable price," said Brixius.Brixius is also seeing familiar faces among the crowds each year, and thanked the sale's regular supporters for making this such a great event."Every little bit helps. Ten dollars for a dress might not seem like a lot of money for Dream Come True, but it adds up," she said.She thanked the many people who donated dresses and accessories, noting that the sale wouldn't be possible without their help and dedication to cleaning out their closets each year.Monetary donations can be mailed to Dream Come True, Blue Ridge Chapter, P.O. Box 344, Palmerton, PA 18071.For more information about Dream Come True, Blue Ridge Chapter or to make a donation online, go to www.dreamcometrue-brc.org.Brixius said the dresses that remained will be saved for next year."We have a bunch that are really nice."