Sparkle Baby Non-Profit Makes Wedding And Formal Wear Dreams Come True

A Cookeville non-profit is hoping to give visitors the chance to feel special for their big days.

Sparkle Baby provides wedding gowns, formal dresses, accessories for an affordable price. Executive Director Kim Vondra said that she understands that beautiful gowns might be inaccessible for some because of price, but that every person should have the chance to sparkle.

“Especially in our area, a lot of people just can’t afford that,” Vondra said. “So it’s just such a rewarding thing for me and for our volunteers to be able to give that to somebody. To have them stand in front of the mirror and see themselves as they dreamed of being.”

Vondra said that the organization was started one year ago. She said that since then, it’s changed location three times to accommodate its growth. Vondra said that the store is home to some 1,000 dresses for patrons to peruse.

“People have been so generous in donating,” Vondra said. ” So we’ve kind of expanded and started doing prom and other formal events. Father-Daughter Dance Night, Valentine’s dances, military balls, pretty much anything that somebody might need formal for that they might not necessarily be able to afford.”

Vondra said that the name Sparkle Baby came from an inside joke between her and her daughter who did pageants. She said that she would say it to her daughter every time she went on stage to remind her to smile and do her best.

“My daughter was a pageant girl, so I’ve always known about formal wear and how expensive it can be,” Vondra said. “And how some people don’t get the opportunity to experience that sparkle, and I think everybody should be able to sparkle. ”

Vondra said that anyone interested in using Sparkle Baby’s services can message the organization’s Facebook or text 931-319-4034.