A gowntastic giveaway

You might think that Larson’s Gymnasium on Quantico Marine Corps base and haute couture would have little in common.
Think again.
The gymnasium was buzzing with conversation and laughter on Thursday and Friday as hundreds of Marine spouses took part in the second Giving of the Gowns Marine Corps Birthday Ball Gown Giveway sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services.
“At 4:45 p.m., we gave out ticket number 50,” said a smiling Joyce Murphy, director of Marine Corps Family Team Building, on Oct. 15. “We had to open the doors early because we reached capacity and there’s more gowns coming in.“
Thursday’s giveaway was for spouses of servicemembers with a rank of E-5 (sergeant) and below. Friday’s giveaway was open to all spouses, regardless of rank.
Community members donated more than 500 gently used gowns and accessories — including shoes, handbags, necklaces, earrings, and shawls — to the effort. Various sized gowns in colors ranging from black to purple to red hung from the clothing racks waiting to be chosen by their new owners.
“They started showing up at 3:15,” said Murphy. “This is awesome.“
Marine wife Kim Taylor showed off a black, full-length gown with beading that she selected to wear to the upcoming Marine Birthday Ball.
“This is awesome, amazing,” the Stafford County resident said. “This is the first year I found out about it.
And what will Kim’s husband of nearly three years, Sgt. Jay Taylor, think of his wife in her new dress?
“He likes me in anything,” Kim said with a wide smile.
Friends Shaneka Stroman and Ana Strickland picked out very similar full-length blue dresses to wear to the ball. Shaneka’s husband, Sgt. DeAngelo Stroman and Ana’s husband, Lance Cpl. Leslie M. Strickland, are assigned to Quantico Marine Corps base.
“We’re going to wow them,” Shaneka said.
“He’s going to like it,” Ana agreed.
Five private rooms were available for the women to try on the gowns. The Post Exchange donated items that were given away during the event, and food and childcare was also provided.