All Dressed Up – known for its Prom Dress Giveaway and scholarship program – is in search of more gently used gowns, or the funds to purchase them.
This spring more than 200 teens from the Oregon Coast to Baker City gathered at the Stayton Community Center for a chance to choose a gown for their prom from the 1,026 that were available. Looking for both fit and fashion the girls needed only their student ID to participate.
“Girls lined up at 10 p.m. the night before and braved the cold night sleeping in line. I greeted them the next morning with donuts and hot chocolate,” event coordinator Anna Benefiel said. “They always tell me how much fun they had sleeping in line with air mattresses, popcorn and their moms not too far away, staying warm in their cars.”
Benefiel said that she and the volunteers saw many smiles, hugs and tears of joy, adding “it was a moving and rewarding day for all involved.”
All Dressed Up organizers appreciate the city of Stayton for donating the use of the Community Center which allows them to host this free event.
In 2015, All Dressed Up awarded two scholarships of $1,000, one from All Dressed Up and one donated by the family of Barbara Rice, a former volunteer for the event. The two recipients were Katelyn Keillor of Cascade High School, who will be attending the University of Portland to study nursing, and Bailey Goodman of Stayton High School, who will be attending Western Oregon University to study in the medical field. They were chosen based on their volunteer hours and dedication to their schools and communities. Applications will be available for the 2016 scholarships soon.
While plans are under way for the 2016 event, there is always a need for more volunteers to help with the setup, clean up, helping with the dressing rooms, pricing and tagging dresses, and someone who can help with minor sewing and alterations to dresses.
For All Dressed Up to continue this free service, they need of donations of gowns, accessories or funds to purchase more, construct dressing rooms, mirrors, clothing racks, hangers, storage unit, etc.
Monetary donations can be made at NW Perferred Credit Union in the name of All Dressed Up. Clothing donations can be dropped off at donations sites at Sugar and Spice Baker, Lyons; Santiam Treasures, Mill City; Act. 1 Hair Salon, Stayton; Stayton Cleaners, Stayton, Santiam Cleaners, Stayton; or Shabby Chic Bride, Salem.
For information contact Benefiel at 503-881-0711 or visit the website: www.com/taby02/alldressed up; or facebook.com/pages/All-Dressed_Up
