With prom season right around the corner, there is always a need for the perfect outfit. One that makes you feel as confident as possible as you get ready to embark on what should be the best night of your high school experience.
However, the perfect ensemble can be quite costly. Between accessories, outfits, and general fees to attend prom, it can easily become a financial burden for most. With a culmination of reasons as to why these fashion pieces can be out of budget range, that does not mean that you should be without the prom experience.
A Prom Dream Come True
Yonkers-native Noel D’Allacco saw an opportunity to guarantee that each senior wishing to attend their prom would have the ability to look and feel their best–regardless of their financial situation.
From this desire, in 2005, Operation Prom National Network Inc. began its mission ensuring that every High School senior may take part in the end-of-year festivities alongside their peers.
When I was in college I was an event planner and so many brides and their bridesmaids were purchasing dresses they were only wearing once. I called my former high school (Saunders High School in Yonkers) to see if any students could the once worn dresses. That’s how it all began, as a simple idea to reuse dresses to students who need them.
Noel D’Allacco
While it originated in Yonkers, the organization grew to serve all of Westchester County. After 20 years, it now serves the New York Metro area, and eight other states, all providing free dresses and tuxedos for teens.
Last year alone, the nonprofit distributed an awe-inspiring amount of over 5,000 formal wear items.
Anniversary Celebration
On Friday, March 8th from 6pm-9pm, Operation Prom will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. Thanks to sponsors such as Yonkers-based Life Cleaners and Beyond Costumes, guests can browse an exhibit showcasing collections of tuxedos and prom dresses spanning the decades.
For the past 3 years, Ethan Allen has been a critical corporate partner; helping the organization rebuild their donation supply due to COVID-19 along with a flood in 2021 that completely decimated their inventory. The exhibit will be held at the Ethan Allen location at 152 S. Central Avenue in Hartsdale on March 9th and 10th during store hours.
Learn more about their anniversary by clicking here.
Participate in this Prom Program
People are welcome to attend one of their donation events across Westchester County this spring:
Operation Prom’s Scholarship Fundraiser – April 12th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Families are invited for a night of music, food, fun, and Bingo. Held at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center, there will also be a photo booth, dinner, and fun prizes. Click here for more info.
Westchester Italian Cultural Center, 1 Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe, NY 10707
Prom 914’s Formal Wear Giveaway – Friday, April 26th through Sunday, April 28th
This event invites all high school students to receive a free prom dress and tuxedo. Simply bring a valid high school ID. Additionally, Bee-Line bus fare will be free to students that weekend when they show their ID.
Students must RSVP for Friday, April 26th. But, on Saturday and Sunday, students are free to walk in to the Westchester County Center at 198 Central Ave in White Plains.
Visit here for more details, how to make a reservation, and where to drop off much-needed donations.
