VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — It's that time of year when your high school student might be hitting you up for money to buy a prom dress.
I went out to the Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach to see what prom dresses are going for these days. Most were between $100 to $400. If you didn't budget for that, I have some good news.
Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation is holding a prom dress giveaway.
Positively Hampton Roads
Peninsula organization gives away free prom dresses to girls in need
“I heard about this in our newsletter in our neighborhood and I told my daughter two weeks ago, 'You gotta go to this,'” said Joanne Allenberg of Virginia Beach.
We visited the event at Bayside Recreation Center near Shore Drive and talked to recreation specialist Kaitlyn Childs.
“So, this is our Once Upon a Prom event. [It] started back in 2018 as a way for us to give back to the community, so girls can find their perfect fit for prom,” said Childs. "This year, we’ve accumulated about 400 dresses and accessories altogether, all donated from members of our community."
It's free and open to the public.
"We also have handbags and shoes. As far as jewelry, [we have] earrings, bracelets, necklaces that they can choose from,” said Childs.
Watch related story: Peninsula organization gives away free prom dresses to girls in need
Joanne Allenberg's daughter, Gabriella, had a special moment at Once Upon a Prom: she found the dress she had envisioned herself wearing.
"I’ve been looking for a floor-length black dress for a long time,” said Bayside senior Gabriella Allenberg, pointing out her choice. "I really like satin and silk. Everything about it stood out to me: the V-cut, the nice back as well. I really like it."
Gabriella says the event had a wide variety of options, allowing each girl who walks through the doors to find the dress of their dreams.
“There are so many wonderful dresses here,” said Gabriella. "There are so many colors and so many styles. Not everyone can go to a boutique and pay hundreds of dollars, so I think being able to do this, see what the dress looks like and have the opportunity to have jewelry and shoes as well, [it] makes the experience so much nicer and easier for so many people."
Childs says seeing the high schoolers' reactions when they find the perfect dress for their big night is priceless.
“It's such a rewarding feeling when you see them try on the dress," said Childs. "Some of them even teared up. They’re so grateful and appreciative of this event."
“There’s no better price than free!" said Gabriella.
If you missed this event, there is another one on April 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Princess Anne Recreation Center. All students are welcome to pick out a free dress and accessories.
