After being inspired by her friend at Westminster University Joanna Shaver Coordinator of Campus Programming held the fourth annual Fancy That! Dress sale with the help of service sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma.

“My GA at that time and I were trying to find a signature event that Southeast Serves could start something new and different that nobody else on campus was doing,” Shaver said “Starting something new but also giving back to the community getting our students involved but then also opening up the campus to the community not everybody knows about the University Center.”

The goal was to raise money for the Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau, Shaver and members of Gamma Sigma Sigma planned to do just that as they filled the UC with racks of various dresses.

Another purpose for the event is to keep girls coming back to shop around and donate dresses and it did just that for Mallory Echelmeyer, senior at Southeast Missouri State University. This is her second year shopping at Fancy That! dress sale.

“I love pretty dresses even though I have nowhere to wear them, but I also noticed that it’s for a very good cause Safe House for Women," Echelmeyer said. “It feels good at first finding something that you don’t normally, when you find one that only one that is your size and style makes you feel special and also it feels good to give to a really good cause.”

First time participant Meghan Becker, junior and active member of Gamma Sigma Sigma wanted people to take a positive experience from this event.

“People can take that it’s always a fun thing to look for dresses anybody can come SEMO students, people from the community, doesn’t matter where you come from or what your background is come have fun and go shopping,” Beck said.

Having the sale in a convenient space such as the UC is beneficial for customers as well. It helps them get easy access to all of the items without having to search for the location. There was an area for the girls to try on dresses to find the one that fits best.

Fancy That! Dress sale was held in the University Center of Southeast on the third floor.

Shaver was happy to announce that Fancy That! has helped raise $2,500 over four years. The proceeds are currently going towards helping Safe House build a new vaccility for the women.

“We are always taking donations,” Shaver said.

You can visit Campus Life and Event Services on Facebook and Twitter @semocampuslife to learn how to volunteer and or donate. Or for more information about the Safe House for Women, go to www.semosafehouse.org.