After 13 years of classes and study sessions, of friends met and memories made, for Central Alberta’s grads, it all culminates this spring in Prom.
But while Prom should be a highlight of Grade 12, for too many it’s overshadowed by the costs – of that amazing dress, shoes and other elements that make the day special.
Angela Pauls is doing what she can, with the help of generous community supporters, to provide a “Gown for every Grad.”
Dress to Impress
Founded by Pauls in 2016, The Prom Project aims is to ensure that all grads have access to beautiful, affordable, formal wear through rental, purchase, and its donation program.
The initiative provides new or previously worn formal dresses at an affordable price to Alberta grads, explains Brandy Pfeil, Promotions Coordinator with the Wetaskiwin Mall. Grads can rent the dresses for $75 while others may receive a dress at no charge through the donation program.
This spring, Avenue Living, the parent company of the Wetaskiwin Mall, hosts Dress to Impress, providing 60 grads with a $75 credit toward the purchase or rental of a dress from The Prom Project, located in the Mall.
From last year’s 2018 Grad season, The Prom Project supplied 40 donated dresses to grads in the Wetaskiwin and Ponoka areas, as well as a total of 165 gowns which went to grads across Alberta, reflecting the significant need in the community, Pfeil says.
Shoes, purses, and accessories are also available and by partnering with local hair stylists to provide free or low-cost styles, the grads get the whole experience without having to worry about the cost.
The Mall is thrilled to be able to support this community project, with the $4,500 to outfit local grads.
“It’s a way to offset some of the expenses that come with reaching this significant milestone,” Pfeil says. “We all know how hard they’ve worked to get here, we just want to do what we can to ensure they enjoy the experience.”
Grad preparations begin March 26
Two weeks are set aside for local grads to visit The Prom Project in the Wetaskiwin Mall:
• March 26 to 30, from noon to 5 p.m.
• April 2 to 6, from noon to 5 p.m.
• Times on Friday evening after 5pm, March 31 and April 7 are also available by appointment.
Grads are invited to come to the store during those times to claim their voucher, then choose their dress. “The vouchers are available to all who feel they could use a little assistance to make their grad the wonderful celebration it should be,” Pfeil says.
Stay up-to-date with all The Prom Project happenings on Facebook. To nominate a grad in need of a dress at no charge, email Angela at infoforthepromproject@gmail.com
