Apex Prom Shoppe and Local Breweries Unite for a Greater Cause
In a heartwarming turn of events, the Apex Prom Shoppe in North Carolina has been making prom dreams come true by providing gently-used prom dresses free of charge for the past 18 years. Amid rising costs and inflation affecting many aspects of life, this community initiative stands as a beacon of hope for students looking to participate in one of high school’s most cherished milestones.
A Helping Hand for Prom
The Prom Shoppe’s mission is clear: to ensure that every girl can experience the magic of prom without the burden of financial strain. Volunteer coordinator Brandi Sadler expressed the significance of this rite of passage, stating, “Everybody remembers their prom. Everybody remembers the dress. And we want every girl to have that experience.” This year, the shop will showcase over 3,000 dress options along with shoes, jewelry, and accessories, reinforcing community support and inclusiveness.
Brewing for a Cause
Good news doesn’t stop there. In a collaborative effort, two prominent North Carolina breweries, Hi-Wire Brewing and NoDa Brewing, are launching Odyssey IPA, with proceeds dedicated to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina. This partnership aims to directly benefit families in need through the Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair, which offers no-cost repairs to homes damaged by the hurricane.
Hi-Wire’s head brewer, Peter Batinski, reflected on the partnership, highlighting the strength of community ties: “NoDa had our backs when things were pretty dark around here. Getting to brew this beer with them and raise money for folks still rebuilding, that’s what the beer community is all about.” Odyssey IPA is set for release on March 27, available across both breweries’ taprooms and local retail stores.
A New Chapter in Manufacturing
On a different front, Unox, the world’s largest commercial oven manufacturer, celebrated the grand opening of its first U.S. facility in Denver, North Carolina. This $20 million investment marks a significant milestone for both the company and the local community. Derrick Richardson, Unox president for North America, heralded the new facility as a pivotal moment, stating, “This facility is a milestone and a platform for everything that comes next.” The opening ceremony showcased live cooking demonstrations and a guided tour, fostering local engagement and economic growth.
These initiatives, from making prom accessible to ensuring community recovery through collaboration and investment in manufacturing, showcase the resilience and unity present in North Carolina. Such uplifting news serves as a reminder of the positive impacts a committed community can have in challenging times.
