For many, prom season is an exciting time. Planning may even start months before the big day. As great as the whole thing can be, the price can get too much for some.
A dress for prom is one of the top expenses for the night. According to promgirl.com, dresses cost anywhere from $100 to $400, and the price still goes up from there. Other items such as hair, makeup, nails, can cost up to $250. Then there is also the cost of getting in, hiring a photographer (if you choose to), and the pre-prom dinner. Some are even fortunate enough to rent a limousine.
So, SilverSparkle Prom Shop has decided to help out with one of the most costly items. Beginning on March 5 and ending on April 9, they will offer prom dresses at no charge. The goal is to help those that have problems finding the money to purchase a prom dress.
“I heard how many young women were skipping prom and how stressful it was,” says Jesyca Rodenberg, chair of the program.
Without question, girls can go in and pick out a dress of their choosing. However, they are asked to schedule an appointment in advance.
“For me, and I think everyone who volunteers for SilverSparkle, it’s not just about a dress, or prom; we are committed to reminding young women that any dream is possible, and that your community is here to help you be strong and hopeful,” she says.
Starting February 19, the shop that is located at 3121 SW Huntoon, will accept donations at all Westboro Mart shops. They are wishing to give away 400 dresses this year, and are currently in need of plus-size dresses. This is a significant jump from last year, as only 158 dresses and gowns were given. In SilverSparkle’s first year, they only gave away 6.
SilverSparkle works on an almost-cashless basis, and is ran off of almost 100 volunteers. The challenge is not getting the dresses, it’s managing them. Volunteers clean up the shop location, build dressing rooms, and set everything up. They also sort, stream, hang, and keep track of all of the dresses. “When you build the right village, and put your heart into “being the change,” you will find people that want to help you.” says Rodenberg.
SilverSparkle Prom Shop hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays; and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Those wishing to find a prom dress are asked to set up an appointment by emailing jesyca@silverbackks.org.