Shop for a Cause with Alumni-Led Nonprofit

February 2, 2021

Pass Down the Gown grew out of a need that Ruby Franzen '18 saw when she was a CDH student. Dresses for Prom, Homecoming, and other formal events were extremely expensive, but most girls only wore them once. She created Pass Down the Gown as a way to pass those dresses on, so that girls could wear dresses that were beautiful, affordable, and sustainable.  Students at CDH have continued to lead Pass Down the Gown since its inception.

Pass Down the Gown is a 501(c)(3) and is now looking to expand to serve more of the Twin Cities. On February 12 & 13, they are partnering with Common Coast for a fundraiser. Fifteen percent of sales that weekend will go to the organization, as well as 10% of online sales made on the February 15. 

Carmella McGee '21 has previously borrowed dresses from Pass Down the Gown.

"I borrowed a dress because it’s more sustainable in a number of ways," she said. "Since I was only going to wear it once, it was not sustainable for me to spend a lot of money on it. The most important thing, however, was how environmentally sustainable this option was. By borrowing a dress, I was reusing a piece of clothing that otherwise would increase my carbon footprint for a single use."

Learn more about Pass Down the Gown on their website. Shop Common Coast February 12 & 13 (in-store), and February 15 (online) to support their mission.