UT Retail and Consumer Science students are holding a boutique sale in Market Square on April 12 to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. The sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. next to Trio Café.

The students have been gathering brand name women's clothing, including prom and cocktail dresses, at four drop-off locations. Belk loaned clothing racks and mannequins for the event.

It's for a great cause, and it's spring time; time for a new wardrobe. Katie Bruce, senior in Retail and Consumer Sciences

The inspiration for the boutique sale came at a Habitat for Humanity board member's birthday party in November.

"Instead of asking for gifts, [Ginger Baxter] asked her birthday attendees to bring in designer clothes they didn't wear anymore," Dan Hurst, communications manager for Habitat for Humanity, said.

Then, with the help of Habitat for Humanity Board Member Danni Varlan, Baxter formed a partnership with the UT Department of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management. Ann Fairhurst, a professor in the department, assigned the planning of the event to students in her retail and consumer sciences class.

Katie Bruce, a UT senior in Retail and Consumer Sciences, is in charge of the public relations for the project.

"It's been a great learning experience for our entire class," Bruce said. "We've learned what it takes to make a store happen and get the word out there."

The money from the sale will go directly into Habitat for Humanity's fund for building homes. Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit Christian housing ministry, builds affordable homes for those in need. Volunteers and future homeowners build the homes.

"There are going to be really nice clothes at the sale. There are some good bargains to be had," Hurst said. "And it's going to a good cause."

Most items are priced around $5 or less, Bruce said.