They say nothing is free in life. But not for the hundreds of Los Angeles County high school students who attended the 10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Give-Away and Resource Fair on April 25 at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel, who were offered free formal attire.
The event was hosted by the Center for Positive Results. The event gave hundreds of Los Angeles County students the opportunity to shop for and receive a free formal prom dress.
“Our hope is that they realize that even if they can’t afford it, they’re worth it,” said Candy Rochelle Lewis, CEO of the Positive Results Center (PRC). “These children deserve the best of everything,” he said.
Over a hundred volunteers helped students find the perfect attire, shoes and accessories. Students were offered options ranging from prom dresses to pant suits.
There are “zero to thirty” dress sizes, Lewis said. Shoes, purses, makeup and jewelry were also donated.
Lewis added, “We want to make sure everyone is taken care of.” “Everything you see there has been donated,” Lewis said.
Once they found the perfect dress, students had their informal prom photos taken. After everyone got fitted, smiles were abundant on students’ faces as they walked out of the event ready for the upcoming prom season.
Lewis said, “Prom is more than a dance, it’s a rite of passage. This event reminds young people that they are worthy of celebration, belonging and a bright future.”
The event was also sponsored by Thrive Cosmetics, Brotherhood Crusade, the Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles City Council Member Heather Hutt and Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
The Positive Outcomes Center provides empowering healing journeys, helping people of all ages discover their dreams and possibilities. The non-profit organization’s emphasis is on mental health awareness.
Mary Klein, 18, of Crenshaw High School, models her new prom dress for a photographer at the Positive Results Center’s 10th Annual Prom Dress and Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Chelsea Uribe, 18, in the red dress, and her friend Isabella Jimenez, 18, both from the California Academy of Math and Science School, test themselves while trying on prom dresses at the Positive Results Center 10th Annual Prom Dress and Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
1. Mary Klein, 18, of Crenshaw High School, smiles wearing her new prom dress at the Positive Results Center’s 10th annual Prom Dress and Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair. (Gennaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 2. Sapphira Stilwell, 17, wears a prom dress, which has a sticker price of $1,300, at the Positive Results Center’s 10th Annual Prom Dress and Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel. (Gennaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 3. Keala Bernarde, 18, of Santee Education Complex, received a pair of heels to wear with her prom dress at the Positive Results Center 10th Annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel. (Gennaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Volunteer Tanya Jackson, left, with the Sisters of Watts, and volunteer Norma Yanez help Safiera Stillwell, 17, into her prom dress before taking her photo.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
1. Jadon Holmes, 18, of John C. Fremont High School, is hugged by volunteer Robin Johnson as she helps him find the perfect tux at the Positive Results Center’s 10th annual Prom Dress and Tux Give-Away and Resource Fair. (Gennaro 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 and Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair. (Gennaro 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 and Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
