Diablo Valley College’s Career and Transfer Center will be hosting its first-ever Career Closet Fashion Night on Thursday, Sept. 29.

The event, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the DVC campus Commons, has been organized to collect donations and raise money for the college’s career closet, which provides professional clothing for students in need that are entering the job interview process.

“We have been working really hard to make sure that this service is known across campus,” said Marina Varela, the interim senior program coordinator of DVC’s Career and Transfer Center.

Varela emphasized the career closet’s present need for gender-neutral and plus size clothing and said she has seen a demand for the service.

“We worked all summer on the program structure,” she added.

Yeni Galvez, the program coordinator for Career and Transfer Services, echoed Varela, saying the big goal was “to make sure students are aware of this program.”

Galvez said the purpose of providing free professional clothing to students seeking to enter the workforce is “all about building confidence.”

The Career and Transfer Center also helps prepare students with mock interviews that are tailored to the positions they are seeking, and provides feedback on their appearance. Varela recommended that students arrive to the mock interviews with their resume, cover letter, and a notepad – and be prepared to ask questions of their potential employer.

She added that DVC students who need clothing from the career closet can visit as many times as they need, and they get to keep the clothes they choose. Students are free to choose outfits for events such as job fairs, conferences and seminars.

However, following the second visit to the career closet, students must check in with the senior program coordinator to ensure their progress in interviews for jobs, said Varela.

“Our services are open to all DVC students. We will never steer a student away,” she added.

Tickets for the fundraising fashion show can be purchased on Eventbrite here. Prices range from $30, $50 and $75 general admission tickets to a VIP admission ticket that includes VIP seating at the event. Ticket funds will be donated to the career closet. As of Sept. 19, the fashion show has raised $530 in funds, with six out of one hundred available tickets sold.

The actual show is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., following a half-hour of beverages, appetizers and music.

Varela said fashion night is a great opportunity to “showcase” the variety of clothing that’s available to students.

“The event is really to bring everyone together for inspiration and to show what the need is on campus.”