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Amazing! We reached our initial goal in 21 days. A HUGE thank you to everyone who made this possible.
The fantastic interest in this project has motivated our team to keep going with a new stretch goal of $7,500.
The stretch goal money will purchase collection wardrobe boxes to place at local companies for Comet Closet clothing drives. These eco-friendly wardrobe boxes are made from corrugated plastic which is weather resistant, ultra-durable, and light. Each box costs $50 and will outlast traditional cardboard boxes by more than 50 uses. We want to buy 75 of these boxes and all additional money will go towards new clothing items.
We can’t reach this stretch goal without your help. We need you to do everything you can: please post about Comet Closet on Facebook and Twitter, blog about our project, and simply help us get the word out!
Thank You!
#LaunchTheCloset #ImpactUTD
The Comet Closet is a concept inspired by a question: What if every student at UT Dallas could walk into a job interview on an even playing field? We hope to answer that question by creating a student-led resource to collect, sort and provide new and gently used professional business attire to UTD students who find themselves in need.
This crowdfunding project begins phase one of the Comet Closet. Money raised through this campaign will fund the basic infrastructure, supplies, and framework needed to get the project off the ground. This includes items to operate the store: hangers, racks, mirrors, shelving, carts, signage, fitting rooms, a steamer and more. Additionally, it will help purchase a computer and software to manage inventory and transactions. Student organizations on campus will staff the Comet Closet as part of their service project initiatives.
Once the full funding of phase one is met, the next step is acquiring new and gently used merchandise to launch our first pop-up Comet Closet boutique this fall – just in time for intern summer recruiting and interviewing season.
Initial research, as well as interviews with students, Career Center staff, faculty members, and human resources professionals in the DFW area, identified professional dress and presentation as a key reason that qualified candidates lose out on job opportunities. We want our students’ appearances to more closely reflect their level of talent. This can be accomplished by offering a resource to teach the fundamentals of dressing appropriately for the situation and removing any financial burdens in acquiring a professional outfit.
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” We’ve all heard this expression, but what you may not know is that most interviewers make the decision to hire a candidate within the first 10 minutes of an interview. Students who are better prepared to make a positive first impression will find themselves in the running for better positions. More of our students in better positions benefit our school, our community, and our state. Your contribution will not only provide an opportunity for a student in need, but it will help put some of our hardest-working university ambassadors into important positions around the country.
Right now our biggest challenge is building infrastructure. Even with the full funding of this project, we will only have the most basic pieces of equipment necessary for a fall launch. We will be working closely with alumni, local retailers and industry partners to support this project long-term with clothing donations. Please contact nick.hinojosa@utdallas.edu if you have an interest in donating any professional clothing items; especially items for which we have identified a great need including: men’s dress shirts, women’s blouses, ties, and both men’s and women’s blazers.
Professor Barden will match every donation made by students in the accounting program up to a grand total of $2,500. To get counted in the match, type "Professor Barden" in the “who told you about this project” field of the donation form.
Your gift will make an impact. Please give, share and spread the word about our crowdfunding project on social media and to family, friends and coworkers.
Thank you!
https://impact.utdallas.edu/cometcloset
You’ve got your foot in the door! All $10 donors will be included in one of our social media shout-outs on the Comet Closet Facebook page.
Now you’re really working! All $25 donors will receive a personalized social-media shout-out.
You’re moving on up! All $50 donors will receive all of the above rewards as well as a handwritten thank you note from one of our team members.
You’ll be running this place soon! All $75 donors will receive all of the above rewards as well as a personalized video shout-out.
You’ve moved up from “desk” to “workspace”! All $100 donors will receive all of the above rewards as well as your or your company’s name on our website’s list of partners and major contributors.
You’ve really hit the ground running! All $250 donors will receive all of the above rewards as well as recognition on our “Wall of Golden Hangers.”
Moving up the corporate ladder! All $500 donors will receive all of the above rewards as well as access to our launch party and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Second in command! All $1,000 donors will receive all of the above rewards as well as your photo on our website as a founder.
You have arrived at the top! A $2,500 gift will be met with all of the above rewards as well as an opportunity to cut the ribbon at our grand opening!