They say nothing in life is free. But not the hundreds of high school students from across Los Angeles County who attended the 10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair gave away free formal dresses at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel on April 25.
The event was hosted by the Positive Results Center. Hundreds of students from all over Los Angeles County were given the opportunity to shop for and receive free formal attire at the event.
“Our hope is that they realize that if they can’t afford it, it’s worth it,” said Kandee Rochelle Lewis, CEO of the Positive Results Center (PRC). “These kids deserve the best of everything,” she said.
More than 100 volunteers helped students find the right clothes, shoes and accessories. Students were given a choice from prom dresses to pantsuits.
Lewis said, “Zero to thirty” dress sizes.” Shoes, purses, cosmetics and jewelry are also donated.
“We want to make sure that everyone is taken care of,” Lewis continued. “Everything you see out there is donated,” said Lewis.
Once they found the right clothes, the students had their unofficial photos taken. After everything was installed, smiles abounded as students left the event ready for the upcoming prom season.
“Prom is more than a dance, it’s a rite of passage. This event reminds young people that they deserve to be celebrated, to be with and to have a bright future,” said Lewis.
The event was co-sponsored by Thrive Causemetics, Brotherhood Crusade, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles City Council Member Heather Hutt and Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
The Center for Positive Outcomes empowers the healing journey, helping people of all ages find their dreams and potential. The non-profit organization’s emphasis is on mental health awareness.
Marie Klein, 18, of Crenshaw High School, models her new dress for a photographer at the Positive Results Center’s 10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Chelsea Uribe, 18, in a red dress, and her friend Isabella Jimenez, 18, both from the California Academy of Math and Science School, check themselves out while trying on prom dresses at the Positive Results Center 10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
1. Marie Klein, 18, of Crenshaw High School, smiles while wearing her new prom dress at the Positive Results Center’s 10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 2. Saphiera Stillwell, 17, wears a prom dress, with a sticker price of $1,300, at the Center for Excellence’s 10th annual Prom Dress and Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 3. Keila Bernade, 18, of Santee Education Complex, finds heels to go with her prom dress at the Positive Results Center’s 10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Volunteer Tanya Jackson, left, and Sisters of Watts, and volunteer Norma Yanez, help Saphiera Stillwell, 17, with her prom dress before taking her picture.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
1. Jaidon Holmes, 18, front, of John C. Fremont High School, gets a hug from volunteer Robin Johnson, after helping him find the right tux at the Positive Results Center’s 10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 2. Volunteer Kali Rodriguez, right, helps Ashley Luna, 18, of Fairfax High School, find the perfect prom dress for her at the Positive Results Center’s 10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Tiana Holland, 18, of Buena Vista High School, models her new prom dress at the Positive Results Center’s 10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
