Organizations That Donate FREE Prom Dresses to High School Students in Upstate New York
The 2019 Prom Season is just around the corner! This is my third year putting together a list of organizations and events that provide free prom dresses to students, and I am so excited to share it with you. It is still a tad on the early side and some of the organizations have not announced event dates and times yet, if you don’t see an organization near you keep checking back! Also, if you know of a Prom Dress Event let me know and I will add it!
Between hair styling, makeup, gowns, tickets, and rides to prom, teens are spending an average of more than $600 on prom, according to Yahoo Style’s 2017 Prom Across America survey. These sky-high costs put this American rite of passage out of reach some families, or put a financial strain on already tight budgets, especially for families of seniors who often have college tuition looming in the near future.
Fortunately, there are several special local groups and organizations that have been created to support students and make prom dreams come true to those who may not be able to afford a dress for prom. There are programs in Rochester, Buffalo, and Alfred that host huge events all to give every girl in our community the opportunity to experience prom.
Local generosity and support of these kinds of events if crucial, so after prom consider donating your daughters gown to one of these great organizations. It really affords low-income families the opportunity be able to participate in special events leading up to their graduation from high school.
2019 Prom Season: Organizations That Donate FREE Prom Dresses to High School Students in Upstate New York
Rochester
Fairy Godmothers of Greater Rochester
The goal of the Fairy Godmothers of Greater Rochester is to ensure every young lady in the community has the opportunity to experience their high school prom feeling like a princess and that they are the most important in the world if only for that moment. Self-esteem and inner strength
Every young lady leaves with an evening gown, accessories and a goody bag so they are ready for the big event. This is a high-quality program, with over 3,000 dresses – nearly 50% are brand new – ranging from size 0 to 38. Because this is such a personalized experience girls are asked to register through their high school guidance counselor.
*Date: Saturday – March 30, 2019
*Address: Rochester Riverside Convention Center 123 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604
*Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
*Official Website: Fairy Godmother’s of Greater Rochester
Allegany County
Project Prom Dress Extravaganza 2019
A student-driven initiative, Project Prom Dress is in its 6th year and has grown tremendously, thanks to the dedication of the sisters of Delta Chi Omega. throughout the year the society works hard collecting new or gently used prom gowns, shoes, and accessories from local bridal shops and individuals.
In April, Delta Chi Omega invites high school students from Allegany County and surrounding areas to come to their extravaganza event at Alfred State, where they can choose a gown free of charge.
*Date: Sunday, April
*Address: Pioneer Center on the Alfred campus. -10 Upper College
*Time: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
*Official Webpage: http://www.alfredstate.edu/news/2019-01-30/project-prom-dress-set-april-14
*Contact: For more information, please contact Alfred State Event Concierge Sandra Burdick at [email protected] or at 607-587-4098.
Buffalo
Colvin Cleaners’ annual event Gowns for Prom
This event enables young ladies in need to select the prom gown of their dreams. Colvin Cleaners collects, dry cleans and tailors prom gowns for young ladies in the Western New York community.
All young ladies in WNY are welcome to come to Shea’s during Gowns for Prom to select a gown. You must bring your student ID and present it before you are able to get a gown.
New gowns are put out every day of the event, so there is always a fresh selection of gowns.
*Dates: April 15th, 16th, & 17th 2019
*Time: 3 PM to 8 PM
*Address: Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14202
*Official Webpage: https://www.gownsforprom.com/get-a-gown
*Contact: 716.873.2952
Legislator Lynne Dixon & Urban Valet Cleaners present: 10th Annual Prom Dress Drive
Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon, Urban Valet Dry Cleaners and Performing Arts Dance Academy announce the dates for the 5th annual Prom Dress Drive Shopping Days. Local high school girls are invited to attend the shopping event to find a free gown for prom or other special event at from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 5 or noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at Performing Arts Dance Academy, 206 Lake St., Hamburg, NY.
*Dates: Friday, April 5th, 3-7 pm & Saturday, April 6th, 12-3 pm.
*Address: Town Hall Plaza, 6000 South Park Avenue, Hamburg
*Current Information: https://buffalolib.libcal.com/event/5164427
*Contact: CALL 716-858-8671 OR EMAIL [email protected]
Becca’s Closet, Gasport NY Chapter
The Women Helping Others organization at Zion Lutheran Church in Gasport run this chapter of Becca’s Closet and they have hundreds of slightly used or new prom dresses to distribute at NO COST to girls in need in the area who would otherwise find it difficult or impossible to attend their prom. Girls do need to schedule an appointment with personalized “shopper”, but there are many dates available for giveaways.
Event Dates & Locations Not Yet Announced
*Official Webpage: Becca’s Closet
*Contact: Paula Travis at [email protected] or 716.957.8157.
Do you know of a Prom Dress Donation Program I missed? Comment below or email the details to [email protected] and I will be sure to get all the information added to this post!
Don’t forget to share this, every girl deserves to feel like a princess on prom night!
As always, I do my best to provide relevant and accurate information regarding events. With any event dates and times are subject to change, please confirm dates, times, and availability before attending an event. Events are posted on Home in the Finger Lakes from information found on, but not limited to, attraction sites, government city sites; as well as submissions from individual attractions, press releases, and PR firms. All events are subject to change without notice and Home in the Finger Lakes cannot be held responsible.
