The first Johns Hopkins Hospital Best Dressed Sale, then dubbed “The Better Dress Sale,” was held in 1967 at a board member’s home. As its popularity and donations grew, so did the need for more space—hence the move in 1972 to the Carriage House at Evergreen. The sale, held every fall, is eagerly anticipated by many loyal customers. The event remains successful, thanks to donations of new and gently used clothing, jewelry and accessories for women and men.
A Timeline of 50 Years of Fashion Finds and Fundraising to Benefit Patient Care and Medical Education Scholarships
1967 “The Better Dress Sale” debuts in a private home, raising about $1,000.
1972 Vastly expanded, the event was moved to the Carriage House at Evergreen and garnered about $6,000.
1980s Annual amount raised climbs to $50,000 to $60,000 range.
1987 Name changed to The Best Dressed Sale.
1995 First year credit cards were accepted, resulting in the highest grossing sale up until that time.
1997 Vintage clothing gets its own section.
2000s Thousands of volunteer hours and generous contributions from individual and business supporters result in annual revenue of approximately $200,000.
2011 A Spring Best Dressed Sale was added to the May calendar, raising approximately $3,000.
Funds raised cover grants to benefit patient care and medical education.
In fiscal year 2018, the Women’s Board awarded more than $900,000 in grants.
