Shopping for a Prom dress and necessary accessories can cause quite a bit of stress — especially when costs can run sky-high.
Thankfully, the financial burden was lessened for dozens of local high school girls when they visited the recent 5th Annual Prom Genie Inc.’s Boutique Day at Jean Shepherd Center in Hammond.
“I’ve never seen such an event like this,” said Harriet Harris of Hammond, as her daughter Kim looked among the many selections of formal wear. “The girls are feeling so special. They have the run of the room.”
Hundreds of dresses — all styles, sizes and colors — were displayed in neat rows throughout the try-on area.
Accessories, such as shoes, purses and jewelry also were available for the Prom-bound young ladies.
All dresses, as well as the other furnishings, were donated by groups or individuals. Some items were new, and others gently-used.
On the shoe table and shoe racks, both trendy and traditional styles were available. The many options allowed visitors to go home with everything they needed for the big day.
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“I had to try on two other dresses before I found the right one,” said Rachel Pratchett of Hobart. “Originally, I had a different color and style in mind, but I’m really happy with my choice. There were so many to choose from.”
Local seamstress Ruby Comer volunteered her services for those needing simple alterations.
The only criteria involved in entrance to Boutique Day was that the girls had to currently be enrolled in an area high school and have a valid school ID.
Return volunteer Heather Garay of Hammond served as one of the “personal shoppers” assigned to the students, as they maneuvered their way through the racks of dresses and accessories tables.
“This is a great experience for the girls,” she said. “It’s not only a wonderful way to get their Prom dress, but it’s uplifting and motivational for them too.”
Many of the 40 girls visiting the recent Boutique Day also received mini-services from students of Tricoci Beauty Academy in Highland.
Manicures and hairstyle tips for the big day were on the beauty agenda.
“This day gives the girls an idea of what they need for their Prom,” said Maggie Sanchez of Hammond, as her daughter Eliana sat in the styling chair. “And since we don’t have to pay anything, it’s a help to a family’s budget.”
James Hatfield patiently waited outside the Boutique area while his daughter Jaylene took her turn to browse the dress racks.
“Our family had a few financial setbacks this past year, so there was no money for the Prom things,” he said. “When we heard about this dress giveaway, it was a God-send.”
Prom Genie Inc.’s Boutique Day began seven years ago in Indianapolis before coming to Hammond five years ago
Founder Helen Lewis, a NWI native, believes that all high school girls should have the opportunity to attend their Prom without the financial burden involved.
A dozen volunteers help her to continue the yearly event.
Prom Genie Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides young ladies with prom dresses and accessories at no charge, as well as providing scholarships for senior girls in the Indianapolis and Hammond areas.
For more information about Prom Genie, Inc., call (219) 230-6483 or email [email protected].
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.