Going to the prom is a major milestone in a teenage girl’s life, but the cost of a dress alone can reach into the triple digits — and that’s not even counting the additional expenses of a hair appointment, makeup, and accessories, such as shoes and jewelry.
Just a few years ago, a Philly teen almost didn’t get to go to her prom because she couldn’t afford it, according to 6abc Action News. That’s until the local nonprofit PAL of Philadelphia stepped in to make sure she — and other teens in her same situation — could go.
For the last six years, the organization has held their annual “Cozen PAL Center Prom Boutique” where girls in PAL’s mentoring program can pick out their very own prom dress, shoes and accessories, all for free. The shopping event is sponsored by Philadelphia law firm Cozen O’Connor and Archbishop Carroll High School.
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The ABC affiliate reports that more than 1,000 glittering gowns were collected this year just for the 200 young ladies who belong to the PAL after-school program. “We are constantly selecting and collecting dresses, and then we get a lot of donations — whether its racks, hangers, and support,” organizer Linda Wert of Archbishop Carroll High School told the station. Makeup artists were even on hand to teach the girls how to apply cosmetics for their special day.
PAL, short for Police Athletic League, serves thousands of Philadelphia’s young men and women. According to their website, the nonprofit provides completely free educational, athletic and character-building after-school programs.
Looks like they also play fairy godmothers, too.