The Clothing Bank Etc. successfully hosted their 8th prom event for 2023. High School young ladies and men came to the “Prom Boutique” from various towns in CT to select a prom gown, tux, and all the accessories at no cost. The purpose of this event was to help alleviate some of the expenses involved in going to their junior and senior High School Prom. We helped to make lasting memories that will be cherished by those who attended this special event hosted for them.
We had a couple surprise guests attend our gown giveaway this year, Miss Greater Rockville’s Teen, Mikaylin Foster and Miss Tolland County’s Teen, Alexis Hayes. They chose some gorgeous gowns for their upcoming pageants. Pageants can be so expensive on the family. We were very happy to help support them in their pageant journey.
We want to thank the people of our community, from all over who donated to our Prom Boutique. Everyone was excited as we were, to support the young ladies and men to be able to attend their dream prom event at little or no cost to them and their family. Seeing the excitement on their faces and knowing that they had a good time in our Boutique made this event special to us. Their enthusiasm and kind words showed us just how much they appreciated it. We received prom pictures and thank you's from some of the girls. We look forward to hosting the Prom Boutique event again in 2024.
We gave away 60 gowns, 19 tuxes/suits, 45 pairs of shoes, 545+ makeup and jewelry items, and more. We are always collecting donations of prom gowns, tuxes, black suits, sparkle dress shoes, jewelry, evening purses, new makeup, etc. throughout the year.
The Clothing Bank Etc. has a wonderful group of volunteers. With their generous spirit, passion, creative talents and ambition, it allows us to extend ourselves to do more to help our community. We will be holding a free backpack and school supplies give away in August. In October we set up a Halloween Boutique, and will be setting up “The Christmas Corner” again in November. Everything we give out during our events is at no cost. We take donations year round for Items related to all our seasonal events.
Zahner’s Fine Apparel in Vernon, donated 2 tux rental certificates to our Prom Boutique. Battiston’s Cleaners of Manchester donated a $200 Gift certificate for dry cleaning. Without the kind donations from the community and organizations, none of these events would be possible.
Once again, a big thank you to everyone!
Christine Filanowicz
Clothing Bank, Etc. Director