Fashionably affordable
November 4, 2008
By Staff
Gordy’s Garments offers Hazen High School students formal wear on the cheap
Juniors Kyle Gibbs and Sarah Portin, and seniors Molly Harris and Torri Middlekauff (from left), are in charge of Gordy
By Chris Nguyen
Attending formal dances, such as homecoming or prom, can be a huge strain on the wallet. But one student group at Hazen High School is working to alleviate the costs for many of their classmates.
Gordy’s Garments, named after the school’s Highlander mascot, was launched in 2004 with the goal of providing underclassmen and low-income students with access to affordable formalwear. Since then, the program has also become popular with students who simply want to be frugal with their spending.
“Students borrow from Gordy’s because it’s a great way to rent a tux or dress without having to spend a lot of money,” said senior Molly Harris. “It’s a good option.”
Tracy Gibbs, program advisor, said formal dresses can cost up to $300 to purchase at local department stores. For a one-night tuxedo rental, students can expect to spend close to $150.
And those figures are just for clothing.
Attending a formal dance can cost students upward of $500 when expenses, such as admission tickets, pictures, limousine rental and dinner at a sit-down restaurant, are taken into account.
Renting from Gordy’s Garments is a convenient and stress-free experience. Students only need to pay a $20 deposit, of which $13 is refundable upon return of the clothing. The remaining $7 goes towards the cost of cleaning.
Throughout the years, the clothing collection has grown to include 15 tuxedo sets and nearly 130 dresses. Program leaders refresh the inventory each fall in preparation for their annual fashion show, and then pass on some of the older clothing pieces to the Hazen drama department for use in productions.
“It’s a schoolwide effort,” senior Torri Middlekauff said. “Gordy’s is a perfect opportunity to be involved with the community and help people in a fun way.”
The reach of the program extends beyond the halls of Hazen. Clothing pieces have been loaned out to students from Renton-area high schools as well, and are available year-round for use at community events where formal attire is needed.
Gordy’s Garments operates on a one-time $5,000 grant awarded by the Seattle Seahawks, and through monetary contributions from community members.
“Thirty students borrowed from us for the homecoming dance this year,” Gibbs said. “I’m really proud of the difference we’re making.”
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