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These shoppers look happy with their gowns at last year’s pop-up boutique, part of Say Yes to the Prom Dress.
Photo: Contributed PhotoThese shoppers look happy with their gowns at last year’s pop-up boutique, part of Say Yes to the Prom Dress.
These shoppers look happy with their gowns at last year’s pop-up boutique, part of Say Yes to the Prom Dress.
These shoppers look happy with their gowns at last year’s pop-up boutique, part of Say Yes to the Prom Dress.
MADISON — With prom season on the horizon, girls all across the state are dreaming about their perfect gown. Will it be silk, taffeta, tulle or lace? Then there are the accessories, shoes and a purse.
Knowing that this finery can ring up a hefty bill, making going to prom impossible for some, Daniel Hand High School Interact Club is participating in ‘Say Yes to the Prom Dress.’
In collaboration with New Haven’s Project Hope, students are collecting new and gently-used prom dresses, shoes and accessories until Thursday, March 26. Donations can be dropped off at Daniel Hand High School, 286 Green Hill Road, Madison.
On Saturday, April 11 at 9 a.m. the doors open at Project Hope’s pop-up boutique at 83 Audubon St., New Haven.
The only requirement is a student ID and everything is free. The boutique will be open for a month.
This includes gowns, shoes, accessories and some special “goodies,” including shampoo, flat irons, makeup bags and makeup.
“There’s usually a line outside and the girls can just get the dress of their choice,” says Project Hope CT Director Khalilah Abdulrahim.
Veronica LaVista, DHHS Interact Club advisor, says the only requirement for the donations is that they are dressy.
“Now, girls can wear a chiffon mini as easily as they can wear a long dress,” she says.
“Then, of course, nice jewelry for those who may want the dressier cubic zirconia earring or whatever fancy bling to add to the prom dress and then shoes,” she adds.
The non-profit organization Project Hope CT facilitates youth led projects and community events to empower the community and at-risk youth, according to Abdulrahim.
‘Say Yes to the Prom Dress’ is celebrating its 10th year and Project Hope anticipates they will collect between 2,000 to 4,000 gowns. Some of these gowns are brand new, while others are gently used.
Sponsor Executive Cleaners in Milford dry clean the gowns, free of charge.
“We love it,” says Owner Clementina Yazdani. “It’s very rewarding for us.”
Other sponsors include Atiana’s Boutique in Milford, Jordan’s Furniture in New Haven and Yale University Properties.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” says Abdulrahim. “It’s so fulfilling because … you see a lot of families who just can’t afford prom dresses during the season.
“The exorbitant price, it kind of discourages people and for people to work so hard throughout their academic tenure and not be able to attend the prom is a little saddening,” she adds.
“So, it makes me feel amazing that I can help support students and their families just so they can participate in this very special night,” she says.
Abdulrahim is excited about opening day at the pop-up shop.
“I just look forward to all those smiling faces from all those students that are going to get their prom dresses,” she says.
“Girls throughout the state can come and just pick out the prom dress of their choice and they go home and they feel like a princess on prom day,” says Abdulrahim.
Yazdani has some advice for people who may have prom dresses hanging in their closets, thinking they may wear them again.
“You wear this dress and I know you spend a lot of money and you think, ‘Oh, maybe someday,’” she says. “It doesn’t happen. It doesn’t happen.
“So just donate it right away, don’t wait two, three, four years until that garment goes out of style and then no one really is going to want to wear it,” she adds. “We encourage people to do it and to do it early. Don’t wait.”
https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/How-to-help-teens-Say-Yes-to-the-Prom-Dress-15109400.php
2020-03-06 11:00:00Z
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