Author Kristine Carlson to Keynote at Wardrobe for Opportunity Luncheon -- Spring to Success Luncheon Benefit Slated for May 7, 2004

WALNUT CREEK, CA April 19, 2004 -– Kristine Carlson, author of the New York Times best-selling Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Women, and co-author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Don't Sweat the Small Stuff in Love, written with her husband of eighteen years, author Richard Carlson, will be the keynote speaker at the Wardrobe for Opportunity 9th Annual Spring to Success Luncheon.

Wardrobe for Opportunity (WFO) provides free business clothing and career skills for both women and now men in the East Bay as they re-enter the workforce. The Spring to Success Luncheon is the major fundraiser of the year for Wardrobe for Opportunity. This year's Luncheon will be held Friday, May 7, 2004 at the San Ramon Marriott at Bishop Ranch from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. In recognition for her outstanding contributions to women seeking self-sufficiency, Joan M. O'Reilly, dedicated WFO volunteer, philanthropist, and wife of David O'Reilly, chairman and CEO of ChevronTexaco Corporation, will be the honorary chair for the 2004 Luncheon.

Wardrobe for Opportunity will also honor PeopleSoft as an Exceptional Corporate Sponsor. PeopleSoft is one of oldest and most generous WFO corporate sponsors, and a leader in the corporate community in volunteerism. "We are thrilled to have such broad-based community support for Wardrobe for Opportunity and our 9th Annual Spring to Success Luncheon," said Wardrobe for Opportunity Board President, Chris Byrne. "With author Kristine Carlson as a major draw for this year's fundraiser, we look forward to helping more East Bay families remove barriers to long-term, gainful employment and put them on the path to economic self-sufficiency and stability."

At the Luncheon, attendees will meet two exceptional Wardrobe for Opportunity clients who have excelled in the workplace. Last year's honoree, Shayne Kaleo, directs her own homeless program and is studying to become a licensed social worker. She says, "Wearing these clothes, I feel more powerful. I feel like I want to do better and I know I can."

The money raised will go to support Wardrobe for Opportunity (WFO), a volunteer-run, non-profit organization assisting economically disadvantaged women and men seeking employment in the Bay Area. This year, WFO will be adding a men's dressing program in addition to their hugely successful women's program. WFO provides quality business clothing for job interviews to more than 125 job-seekers per month. Job retention support, career guidance, and working wardrobes are provided once participants have landed a job.

"Since its inception in 1996, Wardrobe for Opportunity has provided professional clothing, image consultation and career development support to over 8,339 women," said Karen Smith, WFO Executive Director. "Over 70% of our clients find jobs paying at least $8-15 per hour – substantially above the minimum wage. Most importantly, our clients learn life-long skills in their new jobs that will help them advance economically."

Tickets to the 9th Annual Spring to Success Luncheon are $72, $47 of which is a tax-deductible donation. For more information or to purchase luncheon tickets, please call Wardrobe for Opportunity at (925) 935-2146 or visit www.wardrobe.org.

The major Luncheon sponsors are:
ChevronTexaco, PeopleSoft, Simpson Strong-Tie, Bank of America, Union Bank of California, Wells Fargo, Bank of the West, Stoneridge Shopping Center, Broadway Plaza, Diablo magazine, Blanding, Boyer, & Rockwell, LLP, The Mechanic's Bank, Bishop Ranch, Archer Norris, State Farm, City National Bank, PMI, The Men's Wearhouse, Lincoln Financial Advisors, Neal Meagher Golf Course Architect, Madden Charities, Inc., Port of Oakland

About Wardrobe for Opportunity:
Wardrobe for Opportunity is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization that provides free professional clothing and career support to low-income job seekers in the Bay Area. Our services provide job-seekers with the self-confidence, self-esteem, knowledge, and skills necessary to find and maintain employment and thereby give them the opportunity to lead fulfilling and self-sufficient lives with unlimited possibilities for themselves and their families. To find out more about how you can help, contact Karen Smith at (925) 935-2146 or visit www.wardrobe.org.





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