Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195 (DPR)

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation's Sew 'N Know program, offered at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC), has been selected to assist the Stafford Foundation and the Urban League of Northern Virginia to help dress attendees of the People's Inaugural Ball to held in Washington, DC, Tuesday, January 20, 2009. 

The Sew ‘N Know sewing program, supported by the Recreation Wish List Committee, is held three days a week after school at the SETLC, 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE, and teaches students sewing and life skills.

In preparation for the People's Inaugural Ball, students under the direction of Sew 'N Know program founder and director, Ms. Janice Rankins, will be making alterations to formal wear for attendees which was selected from a collection of formal clothing donations gathered from around the world.

Students will perform their work on Sunday, January 18, 10 am – 7 pm and Monday, January 19, 9 am - 12 noon at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.  Sewing machines, equipment and notions are being provided by the Sew 'N Know program. 

"This is a great honor and opportunity for our youth to be part of the preparations and excitement of the inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th President," said Clark E. Ray, DPR Director. "Its through innovative DPR programs like Sew N' Know that our youth are developing skills which generate new opportunities for them now and in the future."

Ms. Rankins stated, “We are excited by the privilege that has been allotted to me and the Sew N Know fashionistas by the Stafford Foundation and the Northern Virginia Urban League.  There could be no better way for our students to sharpen their skills and give back to the community as we prepare to welcome and honor our new President."

According to Cora Masters Barry, president and chief executive officer of the Recreation Wish List Committee, “This program is transformational. It challenges the students’ minds, gives them goals and ignites their creativity.  It really is a gem that hasn’t been fully discovered.”