Although Prom Closet is a separately run organization, students from the National Honors Society at RBHS are able to earn points from donating dresses.
“I had a lot of extra dresses lying around at home so I figured that more people would use them than me,” senior Beth Ehrhardt said. “Since we get points for bringing them in too then that was just another reason to bring them in.”
Since 2008 prom closet has collected more than 500 dresses to help girls cut the cost of attending prom. RBHS graduate Lauren McDonald was one of the originators of the event four years ago. She said her goal was to make prom more affordable for girls around Columbia.
The event is open to anyone who is in need of a dress, not just RBHS students. Current students run the organization, including senior Brook Eaton.
“My role is technically the publicity coordinator, so I’m in charge of getting the word out to local radio stations and contact the schools around Columbia,” Brooke Eaton said. “I make sure that any girl knows they can come in and get a dress.”
Because of the expenses of prom, Eaton believes the free giveaways help girls have a successful prom.
“Every girl deserves to go to prom, and this makes it a lot more affordable,” Eaton said. “We’ve had girls tell us they couldn’t have gone to prom without us. I don’t think anyone should not be allowed to go to prom because they can’t afford it.”
By Maddie Davis
Carleigh Thrower • Apr 11, 2012 at 11:02 am
I think this is really cool for girls who cannot afford to buy a prom dress!
Brittany • Apr 11, 2012 at 11:01 am
Such a great cause!