It’s that time of year again where teens dress to impress. Yes, it’s prom season. Some parents could end up spending big bucks when searching for the latest trends.
Searching for the perfect prom dress is not easy. Not only does the style matter but also the price tag. If you go to the store, dresses can cost hundreds of dollars. That can make going to the prom too expensive to consider.
“I wanted to lighten the load for some Aldine kids and their parents,” said Dr. Kimberley Booker, CEO and founder of Young Ladies Of Elegance (YLOE).
Booker, who is an Aldine ISD Trustee, organized the event. She first dug into her own closet before putting out the call to action among AISD staff and community members to assist with the cause. She and some special ladies collected more than 70 dresses and other items. Among the groups that donated to the event was the Aldine-American Federation of Teachers.
Girls looking for “the” dress — whether simple, glamorous, fitted or flowing — had a wide selection to choose from at the prom dress giveaway.
“We had dresses that had only been worn once or twice,” said Booker. “They were practically brand new.”
Once the senior high school ladies found their FREE perfect dress, they went to the accessory tables, which also had FREE items including shoes, purses and makeup.
Also on hand was Aldine ISD Trustee Patricia Bourgeois. Her Groom-a-Kid Foundation collected funds to purchase accessory jewelry from David’s Bridal to complete the students’ prom look. The jewelry set was free to students who found a dress. Bourgeois was also able to help some young men headed to the prom. The Groom-a-Kid Foundation received donations to provide rental tuxes to 25 male students at Carver HS and Davis HS.
“It really is a joy to see Aldine students lighting up when they find their outfit,” said Bourgeois. “The girls look beautiful in their dresses.”
Every time a girl said, “Yes to the dress,” everyone involved applauded and took a moment to take a picture.
“I hoped for and got to see a lot of smiles,” Booker said. “No one went away empty. I have to thank everyone who helped make this happen. We all wanted the same thing: To give students a memorable prom experience that they can carry for the rest of their life.”
A number of high school seniors and their moms took advantage of the giveaway. All students had to do was register before the giveaway date and bring a student I.D card.
Booker stated the YLOE Prom Dress Giveaway would be an annual event. If you would like to help Booker build her “Dress Closet,” visit the YLOE website: youngladiesofelegance.com