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Plus Size Gown Gemach Marks 1 Year and 200 Success Stories

Just one year after being established, the Simchas Rochel and Golda Gown Gemach has helped over 200 women find a beautiful gowns for their Simchas. Chani Vogel writes of her wonderful experiences with this  endeavor.

by Chani Vogel

I have a riddle for you.  What is one, and has served over 200? If you guessed the Simchas Rochel and Golda Gown Gemach, then you are right on target.

Since its inception just a short year ago, the gmach has helped over 200 women and girls feel beautiful at their simchos. When Devory Wilmowsky first approached me to tell me about her idea for this gmach I was so excited. She was teaming up with Chanie Seligson, and with her mother Mrs. Sorah Andrusier, to make this gmach happen!

It would be high end gowns with low end rental pricing. It would specialize in plus sizes. There would be no ‘try on’ charges. All the money collected would go right back into the gmach to purchase gowns, and maintain the ones that they already had.

I loved the idea.

Growing up, Devory Wilmowsky and Chanie Seligson were practically neighbors. I knew them both, and realized that this was going to be something big!  This had the potential to be a real game changer!  The gmach would be in memory of Devory’s grandmother, and Chanie’s mother, two ladies that epitomized the term bas melech.

When my brother got married six years ago, I went to at least seven gmachs. There were charges for trying things on, charges for having things fixed, astronomical rental fees; I wondered why they called themselves gmachs. Adding insult to injury, they did not really cater to the plus size woman. I was so depressed.

Desperate, I went to gown stores, and found that for a mere $1,000 I could be made to look like a box. With no other options, I ended up having something made. I know that I should be grateful because not everyone has this option; however, at a time that was supposed to be joyful, I was stressed and anxious.

When the seeds of this gmach were first planted, the emphasis was on plus size. I put myself into the cause wholeheartedly. I helped get the word out, and told everyone I knew about the gmach. I recommended people to the gmach, and I talked about donating to the gmach.  And then my friend’s daughter got engaged. A shlucha, she came in from out of town to go to the Ohel with her kids, and that night was the L’chaim.  She had less than 24 hours in NY before returning to her Shlichus. She called Devory and asked her if there was any way that she could accommodate such a last minute request.

Devory was in Manhattan. She cut her errands short and came right home. Going with my friend to the gmach, I knew there would be a selection, but I had no idea just how much! I also had no idea just how beautiful the place actually is. Every gown is in beautiful condition! It made us feel like we were shopping in a high end store!  And then, Devory pulled out some matching jewelry! My friend was thrilled! I loved seeing the work that I put in come to life!  That night I got onto every social media avenue I could think of to see how much awareness I could bring to such a worthy cause.

It was a few months later that my sister was making a bar mitzvah in France.  I had no intention of going.  Suddenly opportunity knocked and I had a ticket in my inbox! I was so excited, but I was departing in 36 hours and I still needed to find a gown.  Obviously, I called Devory.  She told me to come right over.  I found something really beautiful.  I felt like a million bucks!  I kept gushing about how perfect it was and how I loved it so much.  It felt like it was made for me! That’s when Devory told me that the gown was donated to the gmach as a result of the social media frenzy that I had created!  Talk about coming full circle!

Today the gmach carries all sizes, not just plus size, as people want to give their gently used gowns to a cause that feels right. The rental fee is lower than any other gmach I know of. This is a not for profit cause, and they are super careful to keep it that way. Devory tells me that the brocha that she has seen in her life since she originally opened the gmach is very telling of the fact that she is doing the right thing. Smiles on the faces of people walking out, their hands full, speak volumes. May those volumes bring Moshiach NOW!

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36 Comments

  • information

    Where is this gemach located? and what is the phone number? Thank you!

  • Ch

    This Gemach has beautiful gowns (I have donated a couple myself!) and Devory and Chanie are such a pleasure to deal with. Please note: they have gowns in all sizes now and styles perfect for young and old!

  • More info?

    where is it located?
    how much is a rental?
    what is your size range?
    I have a gorgeous, tznius designer gown that’s looking to go to more simchas.

  • Gmach information

    The gmach is located in crown heights on president street. It can be reached at 13477704136 thanks

  • A happy recipient

    I would like to call it the “Sholom bayis gmach!” In previous simchas to lend out gowns for my wife and kids costed me an arm and leg now I was able to get beautiful gowns at a fraction of the price that didn’t bleed me dry

  • So nice!

    I cant believe its been one year, mazal tov on your great work, Chany, Devory, and all those involved! The gemach has realy grown so much in one year!
    May the gemach continue to grow and accomodate the community. Being involved in the community is a great mitzva, and in the zechus of all that you do with pure sleflessness and simcha, may you and your families be blessed!

    May you go from strength to strength!

    (Cant wait to see what the gemach will look like in one year from now- i have high hopes for it ;-))

  • true true

    so wonderful to have gmach that calls itself as such and is REALLY one. My niece wore a beautiful gown at her brothers wedding..It was from this gmach…May the number of weddings and simchas multiply and all the gown come to good use on happy people for happy simchas….Thank you to those that made it happen tizku l’mitzvos

  • yay for crown hts

    There are so many hidden gems like this one in the hood. There is also a jewelry gemach, one for bar mitzvah centerpieces, and another for bridal shoes.

  • Hadassa Ruth

    I have a beautiful beaded dress that I would like to donate. It’s a cocktail length dress, though, not a gown. However, I think it would suit someone such as a mother or grandmother nicely for a l’chaim or for a fancy dinner. It’s black with silver beading in a size 24-26 (?).

  • They saved the day

    The dress I had for my sis- in- law’s wedding was a disaster. I found something great at the gmach & went straight from there to make up and the kabbolas ponim.

  • contact the gmach

    to donate,get information or to make an appointment
    call/text 347.770.4136

  • I had plenty to choose from

    even tho I am not plus size.( It is not really a plus size gmach.) The whole experience was comfortable. It was easy to get an appointment, and the women volunteering there were helpful and not pushy.

  • huh?

    Is it a gemach or a rental? You’ve called it both in the article. Please clarify as they are very, very different. I found it incredibly frustrating trying to find a gown for my brother’s wedding and being recommended all kinds of gemachs, only to find out they are actually rentals just calling themselves gemachs. Nothing gemach-like, when you charge hundreds of dollars.

    • Milhouse

      They charge only enough to cover their costs. That is called a gemach.

  • My friend Chanie

    I went to my son’s wedding & took an extra gown – the Marcelle designer/custom gown I wore at my previous simcha, & I gave it to Chanie for the Gemach. I hope other women enjoyed wearing it as much as I did. This place is beautiful & knowing Chani & Devory (2 very calm, reassuring women), I’m sure going there is a wonderful experience. I can relate to Chani Vogel’s tales of woe – we larger ladies aren’t freaks, we are people who want to look nice, just like everyone else. Kol Hakovod to Chanie & Devory!

  • All the way from Jerusalem

    Amazing work Devore!! Ur making bubby rochel so proud! May Hashem shower u with loads of brachas!!

  • grateful in Toronto

    When my daughter got engaged and I scoured Toronto for a gown and came up empty handed, I called Devoiry. She was the sweetest, respectful and reassuring person who was willing to bend backwards to accomodate me. I didn’t end up going to N.Y. due to the constant snowstorms and paid a pretty penny to have one made. However of all my treasured chasunah highlights, remembering that phone call with Devoiry definitely stands out.

  • Happy MOB

    I went with my girls to the gmach and found the exact dress I needed for my daughter’s wedding. It was stunning and I felt so HAPPY wearing it that it made me enjoy the chasseneh even more. The fact that Chani and Devory were so helpful and kind and not pushy and accommodating made the whole experience so much more amazing.
    I, as a plus size Mom, my daughter and the chossen’s sister all “regular” size, all found something to wear and we were thrilled.

    I then took other dresses I’d owned and were collecting dust in my closed and donated them.

    Overall, I was an extremely happy Mother Of the Bride. Thank you. Highly recommended.

  • Just for the record

    Other gmachs out there are all becoming obsolete and the ones that are still open have “shmattehs” that you wouldn’t be caught dead in so why all the hassle about leaving a minimum suggested amount so they can offer you beautiful gowns and keep their doors open for all of us for all our simchas?

  • The Gmach responds

    Refundable deposit $50
    Rental fee $100
    Discounted cleaners fee $30
    directly to the cleaners

    A rental implies a business that makes a profit. This gmach does not make a profit. ALL the money generated goes into the gowns- to repair, embellish, modernize and build up, as well as to purchase. Otherwise the gmach would consist of unwearable garments that no one would want.

    In addition, please note that although the dress fee will never be more than stated, no matter how expensive the dress; extenuating circumstances are taken into consideration in a dignified and private way.

    We are a chesed organization first and foremost, and we want everyone to look beautiful on their auspicious day. We plan to iy”H stay this way for as long as we can.

  • Went to FB page

    With the exception of one gorgeous gown, every dress featured is for a toothpick. What happened to the plus sized gowns that you started off with? How about featuring some of them? Having seen the magnificent gowns for skinny ladies, I would be afraid to try my luck at a size 18-20. if you have them, why not post them? You can always “chop the heads off” the “models” if they don’t want to be identified.

  • chana

    I was about to comment the same thing as #26. Your facebook page has only 1 Plus size gown!

  • get real

    The main thing is that great plus size gowns are available. Let’s stop nitpicking and micro criticizing everything.I, for one, would not appreciate being featured online

  • Always available

    When I called, I was told that they are open specific hours. This turned out to be not quite true. No matter what time I said was convenient for me, Mrs, Seligson made it ‘convenient’ for her! She was welcoming, and considerate, and incredibly helpful with her very remarkable fashion sense! This is a certainty: no one will walk out with a gown that doesn’t look good on them.
    It is a gemach. It’s not a rental. As the statement from them says, they will always, always respect your situation, and always, always respect your privacy. If there were words only to describe the experience with Mrs. Seligson it would be: ‘respectful’ and ‘dignified’…with the added icing of real good fashion sense.

    Enjoy the Gemach, Donate to the Gemach! Every dollar is used exlusively for the Gemach; thre’s is’t a dime that’s for private use.

  • A friend

    FYI, these ladies do it All themselves, as well as having full lives and other responsibilities. Their
    main focus is the gowns. You would be surprised to hear how much time it took.I know I was. I am so annoyed on their behalf to read such comments.
    Someone does something nice, at great effort, and there go the Monday morning quarterbacks .

    It bothers you so much ? volunteer your services. Or contact them privately and make your point without the public bashing.

  • Thank you!

    The service, the beautiful set-up, the kindness, the graciousness….exactly what they say – a service provided in the full meaning of the word ‘service’!
    It’s not about them. It’s about you and your simcha!

  • And Especially

    Like everyone has pointed out, the whole experiene is one of pure pleasure; but in addition to all that, when you come to the gemach, you’re not on your own. In addition to the way you’re treated, and in addition to the marvelous selection of gown, you get the benefit of Mrs. Seligson’s amazing fashion sense. She will ensure that you walk out with something that looks good on you. It’s not just a gown; it’s a gown that suits you. Her very good eye, her supremely good taste, and her real knowledge of classic fashion are all there for your benefit.

  • amazed

    I donated a gown to the gmach and was so pleased when I received a thank you note so eloquently written by Chana and Devora personally thanking me for my gown. It was such a nice feeling to see that nothing goes unnoticed and is appreciated

  • I was witness

    I was at the gmach this past Wednesday night and it was a mob scene! ( yes it was a July
    Night!) The patience and dedication that was given to every person was beautiful everyone felt so good to be there and so many people were successful in finding gowns I am in total awe of these two women who have dedicated their life to this amazing act of chesed MAY THEY BE FOREVER BLESSED!

  • Kol hakovod

    I want to thank mrs Seligson and mrs Wilmovsky for the great service they’re doing for our community. May they have much success and brachos for all their hard work and dedication to this much needed cause