HONOLULU (KHON2) — Every girl dreams of going to their high school prom and being the “Belle of the Ball,” but the cost of prom can add up quickly.
“We have to pay for the prom itself and then looking for a dress, especially with the preference of the child,” explained Marie Roque, mom.
This is where the YWCA’s Bella Project comes in. The annual program aims to assist teens in finding their dream prom dress at no cost to avoid financial burden.
More than 350 high schoolers took advantage of the program over the weekend.
Each participant met with a personal stylist to choose from hundreds of gently used and curated prom dresses for their milestone events. The best part: they get to keep all the dresses.
Usually you’re only wearing it once so we thought, what a great way to be able to have these youth participate in this sustainability effort, opportunities for volunteers, the community and people that want to engage with us, donate and do a great thing for youth.
Stephanie Hamano, Dress for Success Director of Economic Advancement
Roosevelt High School senior Isabelle Perez was one of the many young girls who attended the event on Saturday, Feb. 2.
“It’s a lot of pressure because they expect us to be in these big fancy dresses and pay massive amounts, but I can’t really afford $500 out of my own pocket and I don’t want to burden my own family,” said Perez.
Like other participants, Perez found the perfect support system in the volunteers who helped her find the perfect dress.
“These ladies over here are so helpful. I mean, they’re so supportive. Just being able to get a dress for free is so amazing, especially if you’re struggling,” she added.
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Since 2009, the Bella Project has given away more than 4,000 dresses.