In front of a full-length mirror, a woman twirled around in her white satin ballgown with an excited grin on her face.  Delighted squeals and laughter reverberated throughout the building as women perused the colorful assortment of ballgowns organized on dress racks. 

"I love that he is taking pictures of me,  — I feel like a model!" Kim Wesley said as she struck a pose for a photographer.  Tosh Olive, a volunteer and professional seamstress, offered dress adjustments, while volunteers advised on accessories and shoe choices.

Wesley, alongside other former homeless women, will take part in the eighth annual Women's Empowerment Gala on Oct. 1st.  Of the 500 people who will attend the gala, around 140 will be graduates and the rest will be supporters and volunteers.  The Gala will take place at The Grand Ballroom, in Downtown Sacramento.  

Women's Empowerment is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2001 by executive director Lisa Culp.  Nominated as the 2009 nonprofit of the year, Women's Empowerment works specifically with homeless women and their children to help break the cycle of poverty, getting women the life skills needed to find employment and a permanent home. According to their website, over 566 homeless women and 593 children have benefited since the inception of the program.  

Women's Empowerment's eight-week program offers a holistic approach toward breaking the cycle of poverty. They look toward an inside-out system offering services such as daycare, transportation assistance, addressing causes for homelessness, long-term stability, job readiness, a central location near Loaves and Fishes for hot meals, and women's empowerment.  The empowerment aspect entails leadership training, and learning to mentor and coach other women who are facing similiar situations and struggles.

Culp credits Moe Mohanna, one of Sacramento's biggest property owners, for contributing as a benefactor and helping to create the initial stages of the gala.
 
"He wanted to do a really beautiful special celebration," she said. "[He] said, 'How about if every year we hold a fundraising event for Women's Empowerment - ? We already get clothes donated.  I bet we could get Gala gowns!'" said Culpa. 
 
The call to the community for support has been really positive, Culpa said. This year alone, Sacramento locals donated over 700 ballgowns.

"People really care about the clothes they have worn," she said. "They really want to make sure that it goes to someone that feels as special and appreciated as they did while wearing it." said Culpa. 
 
Michaela Durbin, a first-time volunteer, donated seven dresses and two pairs of shoes.

"I liked the mission of the organization," she said.  "It is really hard for these women to overcome certain circumstances and the way they were forced to live. They need recognition and reward[s]." 
 
Kathryn Fukasawa, a graduate from the Women's Empowerment program, is proud to take part in the event. She currently works as an assistant manager for Goodwill Industries. 

"I went through a full transformation [myself]," she said.  "I learned to embrace the friendship of other ladies."

Fukasawa also spoke about the importance of feeling a connection to the other women, and learned she wasn't the only one who struggled with poverty. The biggest positive, Fukasawa said, was the ability to speak out and rebuild her self-esteem. 
 
"The success rate is high, almost 84 percent have secured housing and found employment or received more schooling." said volunteer Kristine Theabaud.  "It is amazing to see the women transform," she said.  

Brandye Carmona, 29, is the Women's Empowerment's 600th program graduate.  Carmona spoke about her newfound confidence and willingness to attend school in the future.
 
"I graduated one week ago," Carmona said. "I was accepted into three housing programs, and had two job interviews. I feel great about the program." 
 
"These women really long to be a part of the community," Culpa said, and participating in the gala is one step in that direction.  
 
"It is a unique fundraising event because the recipients are actually there," Culpa said. "The community can really see in a very tangible way the benefits of their support."

Sponsor tickets can be purchased to attend the gala at the Women's Empowerment website.  The Grand Ballroom is located at 1215 J Street, Downtown Sacramento.

Wine and hor d'oeuvres will be served along with a gourmet dinner.

Midtown Jazz will provide live entertainment, as well.