Steagall
Formal wear is costly, but the financial expense of finding a perfect outfit should not prevent teens from making lifelong memories at their high school prom.
We are hosting our annual Project Prom event this weekend at the Franklin Branch where high school teens can choose from new and gently-used formal dresses, suits, shoes and accessories at no cost.
“The library’s mission is to provide access to a wide range of resources, and Project Prom is a way we can help teens attend prom who might not have been able to due to the cost of purchasing formal wear,” said Kelly Staten, JCPL programming manager.
JCPL accepts formal wear donations throughout the year from community members and local businesses. Project Prom has more than 1,000 dresses in stock this year and many tuxes and suits in varieties of styles and sizes. We have shoes and accessories to match, so everyone can find a complete outfit.
Additionally, the library is excited to partner with local businesses to offer more no-cost prom services. When they visit Project Prom, teens are invited to enter to win a free tux rental from Sophia’s Bridal and Tux, a free updo courtesy of Olivia at Love, Peace, and Hair in Franklin, and a total prom makeover including an updo, wax and airbrush makeup application courtesy of Tori Speedy at Luxe 349 Hair Studio in Greenwood. For teens who find an outfit and need an alteration, The Sewing Lady in Greenwood provides discounted dress and suit alterations.
Since 2013, more than 1,000 teens have found their perfect dress. Last year, teens took home 86 dresses, 85 accessories, 24 pairs of shoes and 7 suits. Teens can choose either one dress or one suit per person.
Erin Cataldi, Project Prom’s committee leader, said, “We’ve seen teens drive over an hour to come to this event. There is a definite need, and we are so happy to be able to provide this event every year.”
Project Prom will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. in the building behind the Franklin Branch located at 401 State Street, Franklin. Teens do not need to be from Johnson County to attend.
We encourage teens to bring their friends to browse and find their perfect prom outfits at JCPL’s Project Prom. For more information, visit PageAfterPage.org/Project-Prom.
