Night in Bloom Gala Raises Money to Support Student Professional Development

Middlesex College students were dressed to impress in College Center for the Night in Bloom Gala, a fundraiser event hosted by the Career and Entrepreneurship Club. The event raised money to build the school’s first ‘Career Closet, a wardrobe maintained on campus where students can borrow clothes for job interviews or professional events. 

“If you look good, you feel good and you’re able to project confidence,” said Gurleen Kaur Saran, president of the Career and Entrepreneurship Club. “You want to have that confidence that you’re going to crush the interview.” 

The idea for the event came about when Kaur Saran, an India native who lives in Iselin, heard from multiple students that they didn’t own suit jackets, ties, or appropriate clothes to wear for professional events. The gala had a prom vibe, with music and dancing. Attendees included various Middlesex College alumni, students, and staff. 

“Everyone was on the dance floor as soon as the music started,” Kaur Saran said. “Even people who didn’t know each other. It was a great networking event.” 

The gala raised close to $500, which will be used to buy clothes for the Career Closet. Kaur Saran believes the event will become an annual happening for the student organization. 

“I am extremely proud they were able to work together on this event,” said Mekhala Girish, the co-advisor to the club and professor in natural sciences. “We need to work out some of the details like maintaining the clothes and who signs them out, but this is a great start. Many students come from diverse backgrounds or have grown up outside the U.S. It’s important for them to know how to dress properly for important events.” 

Monetary donations or gently worn dress clothes are still being accepted. Information about donations of formal clothing should be sent to Student_Life@middlesexcollege.edu. For monetary donations, contact Inagarajan-iyer@middlesexcollege.edu or MGirish@middlesexcollege.edu.