The gowns, in every color of the rainbow, were carefully arranged on a rack. The sequined party shoes and evening bags were set out on tables. The volunteers were ready and waiting.
Then the girls began to arrive, in twos and threes. Sarah Tyler came with her dad, who found a seat on the sidelines. Anita Dabney brought along her grandma, who likewise settled in, ready to dispense advice. The girls headed for the dresses.
“What are you looking for?” volunteer Sharnikya Howard asked Sarah.
“Red,” said Sarah. They began combing through the nearest rack, seeking gowns and frocks the color of apples, the color of roses.
The high school prom is a defining moment, a milestone in the life of many a young woman. But what to wear? These days, a prom gown and accessories, makeup, hairstyling and tickets can cost more than a thousand dollars. Not every family has that kind of money to spend on a single magical evening.
Yet other girls and women have dresses tucked in closets, perhaps worn once at a special party or celebration, then put away.
The solution?
Dresses for Dreams.
This program, organized by Family Matters of Greater Washington, offers deserving girls the opportunity to attend prom in a beautiful, new, or gently worn prom dress. Throughout the year, volunteers for the program collect donations of once-worn dresses, shoes, and accessories. Individuals and stores offer prom attire, often from high-end boutiques and designer brands.
This spring, Dresses for Dreams held two prom dress giveaway events to distribute these dresses and accessories, entirely free of charge, to girls hoping to attend their proms. The first giveaway was held on April 10 at the Anacostia Library. The second was held at the offices of Family Matters of Greater Washington on 16th Street Northwest.
As one of the oldest nationally accredited social services organizations in the nation, Family Matters began serving needy residents of Washington in 1882. Today the organization, which is a member of the Child Welfare League of America and the Alliance for Children and Families, provides comprehensive, accessible, low-fee services to thousands of residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
The Dresses for Dreams program began three years ago, in honor of one of Family Matter’s largest donors, who believed in the importance of giving girls a chance to shine on prom night. The goal is to allow girls to attend their proms with “confidence, style, grace and beauty,” explained Family Matters president and CEO Tonya Jackson Smallwood. When she was in high school, Smallwood had to make her own prom dress. Now she is happy to be part of this program which helps girls and their families make, in her words, “that princess moment come true.”
It was clear Anita Dabney was ready for her “princess moment” when she emerged from the dressing room.
She wore a glamorous pleated gown the color of mahogany, her head held high.
Her grandmother studied her, then gave a smile of approval and quiet pride.
With their arms full of dresses, Sarah Tyler and Sharnikya Howard headed for the dressing room, and when Sarah emerged wearing her favorite, it was not red, but a soft pewter, with flowers of the same silky fabric worked around the hem.
She modeled it for her dad, Maurice Tyler, who did the double-take of a father realizing his small daughter has grown into a young woman.
“Daddy’s little girl,” he said with a wistful smile. “The last one out of the nest.”
Meanwhile, Sarah had gone over to the table with the shoes and purses. She found a pair of pumps with slender silver straps and an evening bag with a pearl clasp.
Sharnikya Howard showed her how to tuck the delicate purse beneath her arm.
“I would do your hair up,” counseled Howard with a sweep of her hand and a smile. “You look great!”
