Can you donate a Prom dress? ~ Some girls can't afford a dress.

[Breeze54]

Prom dress donation drive

http://www.wickedlocal.com/malden/news/x688582973

With the average high school girl spending $650 to attend her prom, is it any wonder
many of the area’s high school girls will never experience this special night?

Anton’s Cleaners is making sure every girl who wants to attend her prom is able to with its fourth annual Belle of the Ball
prom dress collection program, currently running through April 15. “Every girl who wants to go to her prom should have the opportunity to go,” said Charles A. Anton, president of Anton’s Cleaners. “We encourage everyone who has a prom dress
they no longer use to donate it for this special event, either by dropping it off at their local Anton’s or at Jordan’s Furniture.”

In Malden, prom dresses may be dropped off at the 780 Main St. store.

“We appreciate every donated prom dress,” said store manager John Castrucci.

The dresses can be any size, but must be free of damage, only “gently worn
and cannot be more than three to four years old.

The prom dresses are collected and dry-cleaned free of charge by Anton’s and, on April 26,
a “boutique” is held at Simmons College in Boston, where high school junior and senior girls
will “shop” for free dresses. Attendance is by “invitation only,” and students must be pre
qualified by referral partners, guidance counselors, teachers and social service agency
personnel, who will refer them to the program.

The boutique, a volunteer personal shopper under the direction of local fashion expert Mary
Lou Andre, author of the book “Ready to Wear” and founder of the Web site dressingwell.com,
will assist each participant with finding the perfect dress. During last season’s dress drive,
area women donated more than 3,700 dresses.

Anton’s Cleaners is pleased to be working this year with its many partners, including FOX-25,
NSTAR, Jordan’s Furniture, Community Newspaper Company, Simmons College and many area colleges
and high schools. Companies and schools interested in participating in Belle of the Ball should
contact Kim Smith at 1-800-659-0069, ext. 26 or [e-mail].

------------------------------------------------------------

Where can I donate a used formal dress?

http://www.givespot.com/ask/glassslipper.htm



The Chicago-based Glass Slipper Project collects new and gently used formal dresses and
provides them free of charge to high school seniors unable to afford their own clothing.

At Glass Slipper "boutiques," personal shoppers help students select the perfect style.
During the past three years, the organization has helped more than 1,300 students make
prom a night to remember.

For those living outside the Chicago area, the site provides listings of similar groups
across the country. If you are in Chicago, there are a variety of ways to get involved
with the Glass Slipper Project including volunteering and donations. http://glassslipperproject.org/yodon.htm">How can I donate?
Provides information on clothing and financial donations, drop-off sites and collection dates.

Donations are tax deductible and can be made online or mailed to this address:

The Glass Slipper Project
P.O. Box A-3609
Chicago, IL 60690.

OUT OF STATE DONATION SITES

http://www.glassslipperproject.org/yostate.htm

These programs are not affiliated with The Glass Slipper Project.

If you live outside of Illinois, we encourage you to donate to the program nearest your home.

California
San Fransisco- Kristi Smith Knutson - Princess Project
Sacramento - Cinderella's Closet

District of Columbia
Washington, D.C. - Community Partnership
Rita Bright 202.483-4547 (Community of Hope)
Ms. Tenner 202.645.3365 (Ballou High School)

Florida
Palm Harbor -
Jennifer Ditro and Pam Seligman - [e-mail]
Plantation - Becca's Closet

Kentucky
Hyden - Stephen M. Wayne - The Fairy God Foundation
Louisville - Dawn Karrer -Northeast Christian Church Prom Project - [phone]
Northern Kentucky - Erin Peterson - Cinderella's Closet

Illinois
Champaign - Perfect Prom Project
[e-mail]

Indiana
South Bend - Stephanie Krol - Junior League of South Bend, Inc

Maryland
Baltimore - Becky Bovaird - The Priceless Gown Project
email: [e-mail]

Massachusetts
Boston - Denise Hebert - Fairy Godmother Project
Lynn - Rachel Becker - Northshore Fairy Godmother Project

Michigan
Detroit - Whitney Drake and Gwen Bauer - Hope Closet

Minnesota
Twin Cities - Maggie Harris - Ever After Gowns

Nevada
Las Vegas - Jennifer Lewis - Las Vegas Prom Closet

New Hampshire
Bedford - Joanne Sowa - The Cinderella Project
email: [e-mail] - 603.210.1415

New Jersey
Toms River - Cinderella's Closet

New York
Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady and Rensselaer
[e-mail]/www.cinderellaproject.net
NYC - Megan Kerrigan / Rashia Bell
Operation Fairy Dust - [phone]
email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Ohio
Cleveland- Wendy McGhee-Jones
My Fairy Godmother - (216)355-971
Columbus - Kay Wilhelm & Casey Cseplo
Fairy Goodmothers 614 889-8280 or 614 799-2554

Pennsylvania
Philadelphia - Joyce Jesko - Fairy Godmothers Inc.
Email: [e-mail]
Pittsburg: Project Prom

Texas
Houston - The Fairy Godmother Project
Austin and Dallas: The Prom Shop Project

Washington
Bothell - Jackie Hallstrom - Cinderella's Trunk
[e-mail]

Ontario
Barrie - Robin Hadfield - www.ballroom-blitz.org
Mississauga -Erika Lowe - Inside the Dream

Starting your own program

Below is a list of people who have contacted us about starting a prom dress project in their own city.
Each person has authorized the release of their name and Email address (or phone number), so that other
interested individuals may contact them. Please feel free to contact anyone on this list about starting
a prom dress project.

Please Email us if you would like to be added to the list.

AK: (Jennifer Knepper) [e-mail]

AL: [e-mail]

AZ: Prescott (Cindy Craig) [phone]

CA: Bellflower (Sandra Townsend) [e-mail];
Fresno (Robyn Tusan) [e-mail];
Los Angeles (Nicole Miller) [e-mail];
San Francisco (Liz Sydow) [e-mail]

FL: Tallahassee (Jet Fowler) [e-mail]

IL: Champaign County (Lisa Searing) [e-mail]

IN: South Bend - Junior League - [e-mail]

LA: New Orleans (Kristin Doll) [e-mail]

MA: Webster (Stacie Margherio) [e-mail]

MD: Glen Burnie (Nila Farley) [e-mail]

MI: Detroit (Bonnie Gabrielli) [e-mail];
Lansing (Naomi Garver) [e-mail]

MO: House Springs (Kat Ellis) [e-mail];
Springfield and other areas (Elaine Tillman) [e-mail]

MN: Northfield (Martha.Schultz) [e-mail]

NC: Charlotte: (Angela Smith) [e-mail]

NE: Omaha (Melanie Everheart) ph. 402.333.6469

NJ: Chatham (Alison McGeary) [e-mail];
Hoboken (Silvia Medford) [e-mail];
Westwood (Jennifer D'Elia) [e-mail]

NY: New York City [e-mail];
(Sam Medford) www.nybacked.org;
(Amara Woodcock) [e-mail];
Kerri Bernstein [e-mail];
Rochester (Cinderella "Cindy" Semrau) [e-mail], ph. 716.527.9041

OH: Cincinnati (Andrea Carl) [e-mail];
(Kim Brock) [e-mail];
(Wendy McGhee-Jones) [e-mail];
Mt. Vernon (Shayna Anderson) [e-mail]

PA: Philadelphia (Alison McGeary) [e-mail];
Pittsburgh (Kathie Potemra) [e-mail];
Poconos (Lisa Borders)

TN: Memphis (Rev. Ruth Lovell) [e-mail];
Nashville (Susan Miller) [e-mail]

VA: Hampton [e-mail]

WA: Seattle (Kristen Corning) kristenrubyroomseattle.org

WV: Fairmont (Linda McGervey) [e-mail]

[acmavm]

1. Never mind.

I just took it all out because I'm just so appalled that girls would let a damn high school dance intimidate them like that.

What bullshit.

Go in Army fatiques. Support the rich kids mommy and daddy's favorite war. You know, the one they'll never serve in.

[Breeze54]

2. Seems high but it is expensive. Think tickets, hair,

shoes, dress, transportation, etc.... :shrug:

[Horse with no Name]

84. Proms are expensive

Nails, flowers, hair, makeup, jewelry, shoes, dress, dinner, transportation, tickets, etc.

I learned to do makeup, French manicures, and a couple of different updo's so that my daughters and their friends didn't have to put out quite so much.
We got it down to a routine. Nails during the week...hair Saturday morning and makeup Saturday afternoon.

Another mother learned to do corsages and boutonnières and we scoured the Goodwill's all year round for jewelry, evening bags and shoes (great place to find dresses too!)

[Breeze54]

87. I guess I got off lucky with 3 boys! I don't know how

parents of girls do it all. Seems like you found a good way! ;)

All those are great idea's! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Hoof Hearted]

166. THey don't need all that, it just plays into the bullshit consumerism

that cripples their life.


Let their friends, moms, sisters, cousins, neighbors, etc., do their hair.

Get the dress second hand or MAKE IT.

Quit pretending like girl/couple who doesn't get to spend x thousand dollars on themselves and then go boink their brains out later is being deprived.

[Breeze54]

183. "Get the dress second hand "... ah...er...that's what the OP is about!

:eyes:

[uppityperson]

3. Indeed. This is teaching youngsters a bad lesson, encouraging the wrong things.

CONSUMPTION!

[Breeze54]

5. Oh pleezzzeee! That's BS!

I'm so sure you haven't attended a function that you shelled out some money?

This is their first formal and will have a lifetime of memories for them.

Lighten up! :eyes:

[uppityperson]

Not that much. Ever. And not as a teen. Ever.

As far as "lifetime memories", I call bs. How many people who are over 40 remember their prom? Sorry, not buying it. It is consumption. When my sib went to prom, the thing remembered was the friends and the dancing. Paying that much doesn't do much except encourage them to compete in consumption.

Pay half the cost of my used car for a dress for a kid to attend a dance? That teaches the wrong lesson. Edited to add, my child learned about Goodwills and other used clothing stores and loves shopping there, getting good bargains. They don't need to spend that much. Or, if they want to, they need to earn that money and make it their own thing.

[Breeze54]

13. If you don't have anything but negativity to contribute, please move along.

[uppityperson]

20. maybe you didn't notice post #12 or the fact that you have 2 recs, 1 is mine.

I AM for recycling dresses, like you ask for in OP. I agree that $650 is way too much to spend and that there are other things worth more than competing consumption. So, you want to actually read and remove your little tongue sticking out guy or you want to continue to not notice what I'm saying is the same sort of thing as you are asking in your op? Your choice.

[Breeze54]

28. You attacked before you posted about recycling .....

I don't know where they got that figure.

I DIDN'T WRITE THE ARTICLE AND I DON'T OWN THAT CLEANERS!!!

Gheesh!! He said the AVERAGE COST! How did he arrived at the figure? I have no idea!

What is it with some people on DU, that they think the OP wrote the newspaper article?!

THAT'S INSANE!!! I WAS POSTING ABOUT A NATIONAL DRIVE!!!

Get a clue! :grr:

I thought it was a great idea and I thought some DUers might be interested.

If you aren't, then don't! But don't come on the thread and shat all over it!!

Thanks for the R and for kicking this up 6 times!

[uppityperson]

30. I agree that recycyling dresses is a good idea 'cause competitive consumption teaches the wrong idea

Got it? About insults, I think you are mixing me up with the other poster with whom you are trading insults.

I am saying that paying $650 for a dance for teens teaches the wrong idea that competitive consumption is good. I also disagree with "lifetime memories". This is a sub-topic on that. And no, you can't post something and then control what people reply. It doesn't work that way. If you consider my saying competitive consumption is "shat all over it", you have another issue. And yes, I am continuing to kick so others may see this as recycling dresses is a great idea. Dressing up can be fun, and doesn't need to be expensive.

[dflprincess]

40. I'm over 50 and I remember my prom

- well mostly I remember the dress, the hair and the fun of getting ready for prom. Granted, we didn't spend as much for it then but it's still a big deal. And, I've gotton a bang out of helping my nieces shop for their dresses. Sometimes it's fun to step outside your normal life for an evening. (It's probably got something to do with the princess thing.)

[LanternWaste]

67. I remember my prom with fond memories (I'm 41).

I remember my prom with fond memories (I'm 41). Glad I went, and hold no grudges nor judgments against anyone who did or did not go to theirs.

The ways I see it, the HS prom is no more, nor no less consumptive than purchasing the latest video game, rock or jazz CD, or taking a family vacation.

[margotb822]

72. Well, I like the idea of donating a dress

It seems no different to me than donating any clothes. And, while I didn't spend anywhere near $650 (8 years ago), I did have a great time with my friends. What's with all the cynicism about donating dresses?

[LanternWaste]

79. Maybe it devolves out of...

"What's with all the cynicism about donating dresses?"

Maybe it devolves out of bitterness from a bad high school experience. Who knows... :shrug:

But this is coming from a guy who wore a rented, powder-blue tux to his prom topped off with feathered hair and ray-bans :D

[Horse with no Name]

85. Were you MY date?

Seriously! :rofl:

[LanternWaste]

91. I don't know which of us this speaks more badly of... you or me!

I don't know which of us this speaks more badly of... you or me! B-)

[Horse with no Name]

94. I actually LOST my prom dress

went to an after-party at the lake...changed out of it...when I came back, it was gone.
Try explaining THAT to your parents. :rofl:

[LanternWaste]

100. I can only imagine.

I can only imagine...

"Dad-- we were just dancing and POOF-- the dress was gone! Honest!" sounds more believable than the truth in this case.

I pulled my first very drunk on prom night (hey, what can I say?-- I was a late bloomer!). To this day, if I catch even the faintest whiff of MD20/20, my worlds get quite nauseous.


Ahhh, good times, good times... ;-)

[Horse with no Name]

101. OMG you WERE my date?

Richard...is that you???
I tried to warn you when you tipped that bottle to the roof that is was 100% proof.:rofl:
I've never seen anyone tip over...quite like that.

[LanternWaste]

108. I'll PM you tomorrow morning.

I'll PM you tomorrow morning. I don't wanna hi-jack this thread...

Regards,
Richard.
(or maybe not...)

[SidneyCarton]

204. That's not so bad, both of my proms were disasters!

I had the same prom date my junior and senior years (childhood sweetheart, I ended up marrying her, which is surprising considering the messes we ended up in.) The worst was senior prom, when my car broke down on the way to picking her up. Her mom ended up taking us there in the minivan!!!

[raccoon]

71. Well said!

This is ridiculous, conspicous consumption.

ANd renting a fricking LIMO to go to a prom....give me a break.

[Missy Vixen]

77. I'm forty-seven, and I remember my prom

I had a wonderful time. I still smile when I think of what a nice evening it was. My dress was borrowed, and my date's sister was our chauffeur.

Why are you so opposed to anything that brings joy to anyone else?

Julie

[RadiationTherapy]

110. I agree with you completely. Proms are shit.

Of course, I also agree that recycling is good and blahblahblah, but I despise this false "formal night" bullshit.

Then again, I also think ties are a symbolic slave's leash and that people shave too much, so...

[acmavm]

10. OH puhleeeze yourself. What a crock of shit this is. Teach them that

it's the facade that's important. The dress makes the girl? And how much do those fucking tickets cost nowdays? And to have their hair done? Where do the go, the hairdresser to the stars.

Tell it to someone who's stupid. I'm not.

This is ridiculous.

[uppityperson]

14. Yup. Interesting how the OP is asking for recycling dresses and taking me to task

for saying consumption is bad. Seems like we are on the same side, recycling dresses is good, massive competitive consumption isn't necessary.

[Name removed]

16. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[uppityperson]

21. Try reading and thinking rather than insulting.

Personal attacks are against DU rules. You posted a thing asking for recycling dresses.

[Breeze54]

23. Then stop yours.

[uppityperson]

26. Where am I insulting you? Show me one personal insult here?

Did you even read what I wrote that this is a good program, recycling dresses?

[acmavm]

24. I know. So concerned, but defending spending all that money on a high

school dance. Teach 'em some values, don't stick 'em in a donated dress so they can play the game with the materialists. Schizophenia rules!

A lifetime of memories. Only for the prom king and queen. They'll dwell on that forever. It's the kids who know that you don't have to spend hundreds that are the smart ones.

[Breeze54]

15. Thanks for adding your special brand of negativity.

Get a life.

[Name removed]

17. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Donnachaidh]

128. Six Hundred and Fifty dollars for a Hallmark Moment?

Oh please! Total BS!

"Lifetime of Memories" -- more likely PTSD from the peer pressure and the MOMMY pressure to have the *prom JUST right*.

It's early training for the later steeplechase called the BrideZilla Derby. Yeah, set some truly -realistic- standards for those *lifetime of memories* moments. :rofl: :rofl:

[Name removed]

129. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SoCalDem]

4. Isn't it insane?

Our proms were so simple.. juniors decorated for the senior prom...

sophomores decorated for the junior prom

tickets were free for the student & $5 for their guest..

It was in the gym..

Now they are like "mini coronations"..complete with limos & fancy sit down dinners..

[Breeze54]

6. Not all are like that. There are still proms in gyms but some

schools don't have the facilities to accommodate that many people and have dinner and dancing.

[scarletwoman]

29. I designed and sewed my own prom dresses for my both Jr. & Sr. proms.

I loved designing and making my own clothes, most of my wardrobe in my senior year of H.S. was self-designed and sewn. It was the 60s (I graduated in 1967) and I was totally into "doing my own thing".

My junior prom dress was a sort of ancient Greek chiton type of number.

My senior prom dress was a drapey, silky, off-shoulder empire-waist piece that I wore without a bra -- shocking! -- and I even made my own beaded sandals to go with it.

Needless to say, I was never a slave to peer pressure (or fashion), I was strong-willed and rebellious and didn't give a damn what anyone else thought of me.

That was the best part of the Prom for me, the opportunity to create my own fantasy gowns. I was always kinda "different". :D

sw

[uppityperson]

33. You nonconformist scarlet woman you!

No bra! I remember when halter top pantsuits came into fashion when I was a teen. Parents made us wear a bra anyway. Helped break the school dress code too. Scarlet women and uppity women unite! Recycle dresses, make them over to be personal, good thoughts.

[scarletwoman]

34. Heh. Those were the days, my friend.

Anyway, I think it's a wonderful idea to recycle prom dresses -- mine are long gone, of course (not that I imagine any girl today would want a homemade dress from the 60s).

And I only had boys, neither of whom gave a shit about proms. Oddly enough, they turned out to be non-comformists, too. :D

I have to say, I am so grateful I'm not a teenager in these times. The pressure to be "in" seems so much worse now than what I ever went through.

sw

[lumberjack_jeff]

135. Rock on.

conformity is overrated.

[LibDemAlways]

39. Even regular school dances are nuts these days.

My daughter's high school had a Monte Carlo night dance last week. There were casino games for non-cash prizes and the dress was "semi formal." The cost was $35.00 a head. Breathalyzers were going to be used on the kids at random to discourage drinking. That's the only dance that's been held all year other than the homecoming formal ($150.00 per couple for the ticket) and the upcoming prom ($200.00 per couple for the ticket).

Whatever happened to having someone spin records in the gym and let the kids in for free?

School administrators today think they need to "entertain" the kids. When I went to high school 40 years ago we managed to have a good time without all the extras.

[Greyskye]

7. TTIUWP

"Some girls can't afford a dress" - This Thread is Useless Without Pictures.
















:hide:

[Breeze54]

9. You're bad!

:P

[gratuitous]

8. I'd offer Matcom's prom dress

But rumor has it that it isn't "gently used," if you know what I mean, and I think you do.

[Marr]

73. lmfao- nice one. n/t

[Solly Mack]

11. I have an evening gown - never been worn...still has the tags on it

and now I can get it out of my closet.

[Breeze54]

19. I wish I had one to donate but mine is long gone....

You are very sweet! :hi:

[Solly Mack]

27. Nah...not sweet...I need the closet space :)

[uppityperson]

12. kick for a good idea, recycling and reusing clothing for events!

Good idea rather than feeling bad for shelling out, or not shelling out, huge amounts of money.

[Breeze54]

32. It is a good idea, recycling and reusing clothing for events!

:)

[xchrom]

18. i know it seems like i should have one, right? -- well i don't -- but kick

and i'm gonna check to see if i can make a donation.

thanks for the links and the issue --

[Breeze54]

22. LOL... no.....

but maybe your friends do? I contacted some younger friends of mine but I haven't heard back yet.

:yourock:

[WatchWhatISay]

25. Consumerism - exactly why I will donate

I have several lovely dresses that were bought for my daughter. Dresses dont cost $600, but shoes, mums, jewelry, manicures & pedicures, hair styling, dinners, limos and hotel rooms for the after parties. God, I hated wasting all that money on such overkill, but unfortunately these things have become the norm.

But the reason I want to donate is that my daughter refuses to wear any of those dresses a second time. I could not reach her about the hollowness of materialism, even still. I hope the girls who recieve these dresses do not feel the need to go so overboard, but I don't see the harm in providing them with a pretty dress.

[Breeze54]

31. I think that would make a poor girl very happy!

I suspect that the girls that are screened for the donations, won't be getting limo's
or flowers or fancy hotel rooms. I think they just want to go to the party looking
pretty and may not be able to even do that without this assistance. You have a good
heart and I'm sure whomever gets one of those dresses will be very appreciative.
And you're right, it cuts down on consumerism and will bring some joy to someone. ;)

[burythehatchet]

38. I'm having a simila struggle

with my boy. Materialism is such a predominant part of his lifestyle. Oh well, I can only set an example.

[tachyon]

35. I can spare a case of Trojans.

Should fix up half a dozen of the little darlings.

[GreenPartyVoter]

36. I think it is a wonderful idea! I wore hand-me-downs to both my proms. Mom did my hair and make-up.

My girlfriends and I had a blast dressing up. :D

[Breeze54]

41. Me too and I believe a lot of homeless and foster kids benefit from this besides

girls in family's that have parents that are laid off or unable to purchase their own dress.

:hi:

[AlCzervik]

37. my ugly ass prom float is long gone but i'm going to donate some money to Cinderella's closet in Sac

[Breeze54]

42. That's wonderful!

With the rise in homeless families and all the foster kids in the US, I'm sure that will help a lot!

[AlCzervik]

43. i hope so, these kids already have to deal with so much so to able to attend a dance, just like a

normal event for so many teens would be a very good thing.

[Ilsa]

44. My mother-in-law wants me to sell her grandaughter's dress.

It wasn't for prom, but for a beauty contest. The grandmother spent $200 or so on it. She is retired and could use the money.

My mother sewed a dress for me ages ago, and nearly every girl had a homemade prom dress or a nice hand-me-down. It can be done, even with basic skills, and a decent pattern can cost as little as a dollar, and fabric sales can help lower the cost of the cloth down to less than $20.

[Breeze54]

46. The poor, homeless and foster kids or orphans probably don't have $$ or sewing machines.

I seriously doubt it.

[Ilsa]

66. It isn't my dress to give away. But I have donated a sewing machine

to a resale shop.

[anellis]

45. $650.00??

Holy moses. I went to prom in a dress I made myself, and judging from the pictures it looked pretty good. From what I remember the focus of the evening was less on what I was wearing and more on having fun with my classmates. I still have a great many good memories from that occasion.

[Breeze54]

48. The article was referring to what rich girls might spend. This is about poor kids.

Poor kids will hardly be spending that kind of money.

This is to help them to at least have a pretty dress;

so they can be included in the festivities too.

Homeless, foster and poor kids want to be included too.

[lightningandsnow]

47. Cool idea!

Another thing that might be of use for someone who can't afford a prom dress: used/vintage stores. For my prom next year, even though I could likely afford a new dress, I'm probably going vintage. Pretty much because I want an awesome 80's retro-style dress, although you can find newer stuff at stores like that, too. edit: I've seen some nice ones for, like, 20-30 dollars.

[Breeze54]

49. Great idea but this is to help them get a dress and get to the prom.

This campaign will help them do that. If they had to spend
for a dress, even vintage, they may not go to the prom at all.

[AZBlue]

50. K&R - what a great program!

I wish I still had a dress to donate.

[Breeze54]

54. Thanks, AZBlue!

I have a couple of dresses but they are old and one is a wedding dress.

I doubt they'll want to wear that! :P

[AZBlue]

155. You never know though - if they or someone they know is a good sewer,

it might just work for them!! :D

[NYC Liberal]

51. The amount of money people put into these things is crazy.

For prom, my girlfriend wore sneakers because the high heels were damn uncomfortable - and you could tell the other girls there felt it.

Why wear something you aren't even comfortable in?? Sheesh. Have fun, have a good time. If you aren't then what's the point?

[supernova]

52. I never went to my schools prom

so i don't really identify with this concept at all.

I've been to plenty of formal parties as an adult and gotten along just fine though.

[Breeze54]

56. I doubt most kids spend that kind of money.

I'm guessing the figure quoted was averaged from all the proms across the country or maybe the elite schools.
My son's senior prom was not that expensive at all. The tickets were $50.00, not $100.00 like someone else
said and not all kids rent limo's either. But homeless kids just want a dress and a night to feel special, I think.

[NYC Liberal]

58. I'm not knocking it...I mean if you have the means, I guess why not

But I just don't get it, personally. I'd much rather spend that money on something better.

Of course..."better" is subjective, so...

I think mine were $75 or $100 if I remember. Not exorbitant, and we also skipped the limo too.

There's nothing wrong with donating old dresses that you aren't gonna use anymore, especially to
give someone something that they really want and will treasure.

[lonestarnot]

53. I've a couple of gunnie sacks I could throw into the pot. Heh.

[Breeze54]

55. Ha! These kids have enough life issues to deal with

so, I guess it would be better to let them feel 'normal' for a night and have a nice dress.

But you are funny!! :P

[lonestarnot]

57. Well I only have a boy, so that's the best I could do.

:P

[Breeze54]

59. None of my sons wanted dresses either!

:P

[GreenPartyVoter]

113. My senior yr prom dress was a gunne sax, and my wedding dress was a Jessica McClintock

[HuffleClaw]

60. offhand i can think of a dozen charities that are far more worth my time than this

1. the food bank
2. goodwill
3. salvation army
4. ms society
5. girl guide cookie drive
6. coats for kids
7. ronald mcdonald house
8. canadian cancer society
9. campaign for literacy
10. canadian blood services
11. white cane organization
12. bibles for belgians

[Breeze54]

61. And what would they do with used evening gowns?

Teens are often forgotten during Xmas season. A homeless girl or a foster kid or just a girl from a poor family would probably benefit greatly for having a chance to be 'just one of the kids'. All of those are worthy causes but this is not asking for money as the theme, although one can contribute a tax deductible Amt. if they choose to do so. They're mostly asking for used dresses that most likely won't be worn ever again. I see no harm in that.

[cboy4]

63. Shame on you Breeze for wishing that a young woman,

who comes from a poor family or foster care, could have a dress to go to her prom.

I'm sickened by your compassion.

WTF is wrong with everyone?!? :crazy:

[Breeze54]

78. I know!! What the HELL was I thinking?!?

It seems like I've walked into some FR rethug board!!

How dare these kids want to go to a dance and look nice!?!

And how dare I post about a charity that wants to give them a dress?!?

I think the naysayers might be onto something! I really do!!

Why should anyone want to see these kids be happy!?!

How dare they want to have just one nice day?!

We should just let them wallow in their misery, like some of the posters here!

I mean, life is tough! So they might as well get used to it now, right?!

Gheesh...




adding the :sarcasm: tag so that the sarcasm challenged will get it.

[lumberjack_jeff]

104. Take 'em to Goodwill? Value Village? n/t

[Breeze54]

109. OR donate them to homeless, foster or poor kids that can't afford to buy one!!!

There's a thought.

:eyes:

[lumberjack_jeff]

121. If they can't afford to buy a $20 dress at value village...

... then they have more pressing problems than their inability to play queen for a day.

[Name removed]

124. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[HuffleClaw]

149. its certainly a good recycling idea

the 're-use' part of it anyways, especially considering most such dresses only get worn once.

[Quantess]

62. Anyone remember the mid-late 1980s movie "Pretty in Pink"?

Molly Ringwald's character was a low-income high schooler, who had a cool older friend who sewed her prom dress from an altered vintage dress.

[alphafemale]

64. I think she made it herself. Or rather remade it.

Her father had bought her a really ugly dress from a thrift shop.

He says, "I figured you'd be able to do something with it."

She did. The results were something pretty awful by today's standards, but it was really awesome for the 80's.

I made both of my daughter's prom dresses. And it was a lot of fun going over patterns and fabrics together.

It wasn't $1 for a pattern and $20 for fabric as suggested somewhere up thread but both were probably around $100 total.

And she had an absolutely unique outfit each time. There was nearly a zero chance that anyone would show up in the same outfit.

[Runcible Spoon]

74. actually it was a REALLY hideous dress by anyone's standards BUT

the message was nice and it's one of my favorite movies. However I always wondered why the dress had to look like a shapelesss pink nightmare sack. A little fitting and darting could have gone a long way:

[Slagathor]

65. What sort of idiot goes to their prom?

people should have to pay some sort of asshat surcharge of 1000% on any and all prom-related purchases.

[LanternWaste]

68. Most likely the same kind of idiot

"What sort of idiot goes to their prom?"

Most likely the same kind of idiot who calls people an idiot for attending their prom. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, I suppose...

[tomreedtoon]

69. NO! No one should ever go to a prom.

They are social occasions used to humiliate and bully young people. In other words, proms are just like the rest of high school, except this time the bullying is not caused by teachers. It is caused by other students.

What the hell are they going to play as the girl with the "used dress" enters the room? How about some Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons?

When she was just a kid her clothes were hand-me-down
They always laughed at her when she came into town
Called her rag doll, little rag doll
Such a pretty face should be dressed in lace

Why don't you just throw these girls and boys outside and have some thugs beat them with two-by-fours? It'd be kinder.

[PVnRT]

81. Teachers bully students in high school?

I'm sure the DJs are going to single out anyone not wearing an expensive dress. :sarcasm:

[nomorenomore08]

117. I think I've figured out by now that most of that guy's (tomreedtoon) posts are satire.

nt

[tomreedtoon]

174. Well, your cannibis icon is deluding you. I'm as serious as AIDS.

And I don't know what you think is satire about teachers, students, or the miserable creatures we human being are. You know, a lot of people who smoke dope make tragic errors of judgment that gets them and others killed...

...and probably in your case it would be trusting teachers.

[Chovexani]

140. Yes, teachers do bully students in high school.

I don't want to hijack the thread, so I won't get into it. Suffice it to say my high school years were a living hell, and a good portion of that could be laid at the feet of a teacher and the admins who gave her free reign to terrorize me.

[tomreedtoon]

175. Thank you! Independent confirmation of The Truth!

There are so many people here who are teachers, and want to hide what they do to children in reality, or they're victims who can't admit the abuse they suffered in school. There are so many of them that it's sick. I thought I was the only person here willing to tell the truth - you know, kind of like George Carlin's talk about "Occupation: Foole."

Everyone else, especially in liberal/progressive circles, thinks teachers are Gods on earth wanting to selflessly sacrifice their lives for the benefit of children. They have all eaten the grain that drives them mad - or to use a more appropriate metaphor, they've all drunk the Kool-Aid. But, as Carlin says, someone must avoid that stuff and remind everyone else in the world that they are all mad. And I guess I got elected.

[Chovexani]

180. Teachers are really like anyone else.

There are wonderful salt of the earth teachers and there are some who are little more than petty dictators.

[tomreedtoon]

184. Well, statistically yes, but...

...finding those six teachers in the entire US that are "good" amongst the tens of thousands of monsters is a difficult task.

I dated a teacher for ten years. I saw her and her colleagues close-up and "off camera." You know how you should never see how sausage is made? That was a case in point.

[tomreedtoon]

173. Gee, I wish I could afford that sarcasm icon.

But yes. Teachers bully students anywhere and everywhere they can. From grade school on. That's the only reason they stay in such a low-paying job. The material rewards are that they can torment kids to an extraordinary degree without adults finding out.

[cynatnite]

170. What a load of shit!

:rofl:

Geez, project much? Is this about your prom or what?

Why can't kids do the prom thing without some adult projecting their own issues in an attempt to ruin their good time.

This type of thing has gone on for a while now. My daughter has donated three formals and she bought a friend's formal to wear for their Winter Ball.

It's done all the time and not news. A lot of teens wear used dresses at formals...including proms.

[Name removed]

176. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ScreamingMeemie]

179. Errrr... my daughter and her friends often exchange "used" dresses

with each other for their formal dances. I think it's time for you to come back to earth now...and perhaps get some counseling.

[raccoon]

70. $650 for a PROM DRESS? What's wrong with this picture?

If this is the norm, maybe Americans are living too high off the hog.

[Gormy Cuss]

76. That estimate was for all costs, not just the dress.

Tickets, transportation, shoes, makeup, hairdos, etc.

Even back in my day the cost of tickets and a dress was out of reach for many of us. Fortunately I had no interest in going to my own proms but I did go to one at another school as a favor to a friend -- I can't even remember where I got the dress but I probably borrowed it.

IMHO it is a ridiculous waste of money for a single dance but many high school kids think it matters.

[uppityperson]

88. So recycling dresses makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?

Drive those costs down and teach your kids that re-using dresses is good.

[woo me with science]

75. Why no more than three to four years old?

Some of the prettiest dresses I've seen were vintage. That is the rule I find obnoxious.

[Horse with no Name]

90. Just in case this ONE is still floating around

[Breeze54]

93. rotflmao!

:rofl:

[uppityperson]

143. Oh I do like that!

[LeftyMom]

119. Yeah, that's kinda lame.

But otherwise they'll have people wasting their time and storage space donating horrible 80's taffeta things fit only for burning, and no doubt wanting a huge tax deduction for them.

[Lorien]

80. $650.00??? Hell, I've never spent that much when attending Hollywood awards

ceremonies! Where the heck are these kids shopping?? I've already donated my gowns to Goodwill. I doubt if they ask more than $50 for them.

And man, what I would have given to have missed my own prom! What a horrible experience that was. My parents forced me to go because it's seen as one of those "mandatory" teen experiences. I wonder how many other kids get pressured into attending that annual pageant/ popularity contest who would rather be spared the humiliation.

[Breeze54]

82. Can you read? That was an average cost and I doubt most kids

are spending that kind of money. The article said "it can cost..."

CAN being the operative word but this isn't about spending tons of money on the prom.

This is about helping disadvantaged girls just have a dress, so they can go!!!

[Lorien]

103. Yes, it is very obvious that I can, in fact, read.

I still think that the amount quoted is bullshit. The costs for attending a awards ceremony in Beverly Hills (last time I was there-about three years ago) was as follows: Gown, on sale from Cache: $250, vintage jewelry and clutch; inherited from grandmother, shoes: on sale from DSW-$40, charity dinner before ceremony: $150 per plate. , taxi: $50 round trip from friend's home. What the heck are those kid's spending even close to $650 on? Are High Schools charging some kind of outrageous fee for attendance? If it's really costing that much, then I think that's an issue that needs to be looked into. Kids should NOT be taught that "having a wonderful evening" must include breaking the bank!

[Breeze54]

105. You're compassion for homeless and poor kids is commendable.

:sarcasm:

"Gown, on sale from Cache: $250..."

That's the whole point!! The dresses are expensive!!!

[Lorien]

107. That gown is now at Goodwill

so yes, I do indeed think of the less fortunate.

[uppityperson]

89. Me either, I recycle fancy clothing, like the OP is asking.

Of course I've never attended Hollywood awards, but never spent that much on a dress. I think it's a great idea, recycle and re-use them. Teach the kids that it is a good thing to do.

[Lorien]

106. Indeed, it is a good idea. But I think that if proms are really now costing

that much (everything included) then someone somewhere has to say "ENOUGH"! And I don't like the idea that the gowns donated MUST be four years or less old. Most gowns are only worn once anyway. Vintage can be very cool, and sending the message that a teen HAS too be trendy to fit in just isn't right.

[uppityperson]

112. Yes, I agree.

[Breeze54]

114. It's ONE event in their lives... maybe the biggest. Get off your high horse! n/t

[Lorien]

115. I'm not the one riding it. n/t

[Breeze54]

116. Sure you are... it's quite evident. n/t

[Horse with no Name]

83. Awesome. I have a closet full of prom dresses

I'll be contacting someone.
:thumbsup:

On edit:
For those in Texas

http://www.fairygodmotherproject.com/

http://www.promshopproject.com/donate.html

[Breeze54]

86. How many proms did you go to? lol-- That's awesome, Horse with no Name!

:yourock:

[Horse with no Name]

92. I have two daughters so that averages to 2 dances a year for 5 years

So excepting for a few we have already given away....I do believe I might have an extra closet soon!

[madmom]

95. When my daughter went to prom 1st time as a jr with boyfriend, I spent

money I couldn't afford on a dress, 2nd time went to her own sr prom, she and I went to dress shop went thru magazines, then went to the fabric store and made her dress for about 1/3 the price. Neither of us had made a formal before, had fun learning together!

[Breeze54]

97. I don't think homeless girls have sewing machines.

Just a guess.

[madmom]

118. If these girls live in a foster home chances are pretty good they have

access to or know someone with access to a sewing machine. Foster parents usually aren't rich and they often have to make due. What about home ec. in school, see without getting snarky there are alternatives.

[LeftyMom]

122. Where do schools still have home ec?

I know they don't around here- there are so many requirements for college admission and HS graduation that students hardly ever get a non-academic elective (and even then they usually wind up taking something that will help them with college admission.)

For that matter, how many people who aren't quite a bit older know how to sew well enough to make a formal gown? A lot of younger adults barely know how to cook, since they didn't usually have a parent home with time to teach them those things, let alone sew. I can sew, make my own patterns and cook from scratch, but that's really unusual for younger women, and people my age usually look at me like I've sprouted a second head when I mention I can do these things. And being able to sew might not save much money- I know my prom dress wasn't any cheaper for being homemade, because we had to pay $20/yd for the fabric of the bodice, and I think the fabric for the skirt was $8/yd, plus the pattern was another $8 or so, and that was ten years ago. The off-the-rack dresses were about the same price since the fabric's cheaper in bulk and they get sewn in sweatshops. Then again, I wasn't trying to save money, I just wanted something that fit.

[madmom]

123. I know it's a sad fact of life that not many schools have home ec any more

but there are a few. I always thought it was a shame that things like home ec and shop class were the first to go during cut-backs, these things we use in every day life. How many kids do you know who make a living knowing how to throw a football or baseball, or sink a basketball? The few I know who went to college on sports scholarships were burnt out or injured before they left college. They working the same factory or service sector jobs as the rest of the kids around here.

[conflictgirl]

137. Those skills are definitely lost arts and I get the same looks

I'm 34 and I cook from scratch and have made clothing for my children, and people my age - and even my parents' age - are shocked that I can do it. When I've told people that I can do these things they look like I must be a superwoman with extraordinary levels of skill and ability. I don't think I could sew a prom dress for myself that looked any good, though, and I don't even know anyone in my mother's generation who knows how to do that stuff who could help me. I can make really basic stuff and I'm proud of that, but as far as learning how to advance my skills so I could do something like make a dress, I haven't really had reason to do that so far because the cost of fabrics and patterns are often so expensive it's not cost-effective compared to shopping for a good bargain.

[Breeze54]

125. Whatevah - don't help then!! Just keep looking for ways not to!!

:grr:

[madmom]

131. Get the fuck off me, maybe someone doesn't have the means to help and

is trying to offer alternatives, why don't you just get off your high horse, you have no idea what I do as far as helping people!:wtf:

[Breeze54]

132. Well, you seem to be doing your best to convince others not to help.

I think that's pretty low.

[uppityperson]

145. You know what I think? I think you should just settle down.

There are things people will say, and situations that others are in, and opinions expressed, that may not meet your standards. BUT, rather than snarking back, how about taking a breath and not jumping on everyone's butts? Seriously, it doesn't help, though I find it rather amusing to read.

Answer politely, or don't answer. "thank you for your concern" is a simple response. As we say in our house, manners are what you use when you feel like saying "f you" to just make things go a little easier, and most everyone involved KNOWS what you mean, esp with code phrases like "thank you for your concern".

Snarking and insulting and flaming isn't helping. There are concerns, and opinions, and dealing with them in a positive manner might help more.

"yes mom"

[madmom]

167. You see what you want to see, I was giving other options, not everyone has

an old prom dress and there are many other reasons for showing other options but of course YOU know everything and I'm a BAAAD person, fuck you and the horse you rode in on!

[Fireweed247]

96. Wow what a great idea-thanks for posting!

I bet some of the older prom dresses are made better than new ones judging from other clothes in the stores these days.

And it is not just proms that are getting more expensive, it is weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Graduation parties, funerals...you name it. If there is a way to make a buck, someone will push it to the limit.

[Horse with no Name]

98. I actually think that the 4-year rule was put there so they could

"politely decline" obviously dated dresses without hurting any feelings.
I fell into a gold mine a few years back. A Precious Formals dealer was going out of business and she had already shut her doors and still had dresses left.
I wasn't aware that she had gone out of business and I called her home because I couldn't ever get through to her shop.
She told me she was closed but I was welcome to come and go through the ones she had left.
What a gold mine!
I ended up buying all 10 dresses she had left for $200.
I sold them to other parents for what I paid for them and I ended up not spending another dime on prom dresses.
Those dresses are right about 5 years old...but they are traditional and not dated so I doubt they will turn them away.
I think there are a couple of them that still have tags on them.

[Breeze54]

99. You're welcome MartyL.... everything has gone way up and

we all know women pay more for clothes anyway but you're right.
Older "vintage" dresses are probably made better.
But I guess they want dresses that are in style? Just a guess.
I think any good prom dress would be accepted though.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[lumberjack_jeff]

102. Donate a BMW? Think of their self esteem! Some kids can only afford a *sob* used car.

I have no patience with the attitudes of entitlement and consumerism that we adults cultivate in our kids.

If my kids want to ride to the prom in a tux and a limo, I have two answers:
1) are you on drugs?
2) no... unless you've worked to pay for it yourself, in which case see #1.

[Breeze54]

111. You think homeless kids are renting limo's? wtf?

Get off your pulpit, preacher! This isn't about kids that CAN afford any of those things!!

:silly:

[lumberjack_jeff]

120. No, I think homeless kids are going hungry.

I don't think I'm the one who failed your test.

[Breeze54]

126. You'd only know if you took the "test"! lmao!

And they can't eat a dress, one is not the same as the other.

And I doubt teens are the one's causing their dilemma.

[lumberjack_jeff]

127. Poverty is exacerbated by keeping up appearances.

The consumer cycle harms kids self-esteem when they get the message that they are a person to be pitied if they cannot afford the $650 prom.

Principal Hoagland was right.

[Breeze54]

130. The article didn't say a dress costs $650.00!

I see you have low reading comprehension skills, as well. :eyes:

[lumberjack_jeff]

134. I'm sure than when Dennis' sister was a youth, living in a car with her family...

... the thing she needed more than anything was to alleviate some mom's guilt by accepting the donation of a dress which allows her to fulfill her obligation to participate in high society.

... and it was only barfed on once.

The prom is kids entree into a life of unmet expectations and messed up priorities. It is a fucked up custom created not to enrich us, but to enrich the consumer culture.

Appearances are not everything.

[Breeze54]

138. It isn't your place to judge a high school kid on whether or not they go to the prom.

It isn't your decision. If they want to go, then if possible, I think they should go. "You only live once."

Again! It isn't about appearances... you are are thicker than a brick!

How is recycling a dress "enriching" anyone? There's no $$ exchanged!!!

I'll bet you balk at donating food too, I mean, that's encouraging consumerism too, isn't it? :sarcasm:

[lumberjack_jeff]

142. You really shouldn't bet.

"you only live once" is such a huge rationalization. The 18 year olds might only live once, but they have to live tomorrow. The money wasted by the process of pretending to be at the top of the social order is obscene. It is a bad expectation, it is a bad precedent, and it does huge harm. Parents spend that kind of money to attain a kind of coolness by proxy.

One needn't be the sharpest tool in the shed to see the ramifications of this distorted culture.

[Breeze54]

151. The Fairy God Foundation

http://www.fairygodfoundation.org/about.html

It is the mission of The Fairy God Foundation to enable disadvantaged high school students in Southeastern Kentucky to enjoy
a memorable prom experience. The Foundation seeks to accomplish this mission with a multi-faceted program of assistance that includes free prom dresses and FREE or discounted tuxedos, salon services, flowers, dinners, and other accompaniments of prom.

[Quantess]

164. Thank you, Breeze54.

I went to 2 proms in the mid-late 1980s, and I went on the cheap! So did my date!

[Missy Vixen]

139. Really?

>The prom is kids entree into a life of unmet expectations and messed up priorities.<

Gosh, and here I thought it was a celebratory evening out for young people to socialize and enjoy themselves before they took on additional responsibilities, such as college or work.

Did you ever go to a high school dance? Then again, don't answer that question. I'm sure the vast majority here would never do anything as frivolous as dance, or go out on a date, or anything else that smacked of Consumerism (tm).

Julie

[lumberjack_jeff]

144. Of course I did.

Even 25 years ago, in a small town the pressure to overspend on the trappings of society was huge.

Today it is obscene. School social events per se are not the problem. School social events at which it is possible (let alone normal) to spend $650 are the problem.

When I was in HS, the celebratory evenings were financed by work, not in a last binge of carefree abandon before beginning work.

[Gormy Cuss]

148. I agree with you that proms are silly consumerist wastes of money especially for poor kids.

I also know that to some it's a way of feeling like they belong, that they have a place at the table for just that one night and that gives them hope that some day they could really belong.

I say this as someone who knew at 15 that proms a)were something that I couldn't afford and b)a lot of money to spend on a stupid dance. This was back in the Dark Ages when proms were relatively cheap. I thumbed my nose at the idea but I bought into other dumb high school consumerisms like yearbooks and class rings, the latter being the worst use of babysitting income ever, but it was important to me at the time. It meant that I belonged.

[lumberjack_jeff]

154. I know what you're saying about class rings.

I really wanted one at the time, and wished I could have afforded it.

Do I lament the fact that it doesn't reside in the bottom of the wife's jewelery box now? Not really.

I'm sympathetic with the idea that people (as you put it very well) want a place at the table for just that one night. I'm not sympathetic with the idea that it should be so arbitrarily expensive - one should not feel compelled to "really belong" by spending as much money as can be tolerated by the most wealthy parent at the school.

The parents at my eldest's school are organizing a "senior trip". To finance this $25,000 trip to Seattle, they are shaking down every business in town. The meetings are, to my sensibilities, nausea-inducing, particularly the expectation that "the kids" should bear no responsibility for anything but to get on the bus.

It's all about facilitated arrested development.

[Breeze54]

156. Build Your Own Class Ring (Replace your High School Ring)

Build Your Own Class Ring (Replace your High School Ring)

http://www.danielsjewelers.com/

Step 1: Choose your State: Washington

Step 2: Choose your School: Cheney High :P

CAN'T FIND YOUR SCHOOL? We can make ANY SCHOOL.

Remake Your Lost Class Ring
http://www.danielsjewelers.com/class_configurator.cfm




:hi:

Maybe your wife would get this for you for your birthday or a holiday.

[lumberjack_jeff]

159. Probably not, we spent that money on the kid's class ring.

I'm not a complete asshole. :hi:

[LanternWaste]

185. Six of one, half a dozen of the other...

"The prom is kids entree into a life of unmet expectations and messed up priorities"

I disagree-- I think the gaming console systems are the entree. Expensive, excessive and fully justified by old and young alike... just like a prom.

Six of one, half a dozen of the other...

[lumberjack_jeff]

186. Six of one, the other, blue.

I don't think they're analagous.

The problem isn't that proms are unnecessary, it's that in their current manifestation they are aggressively ostentatious - like a car which far exceeds it's transportation utility.

The only way in which buying our PS2 years ago was influenced by the neighbors is that they had games we could share.

[LanternWaste]

187. Both gaming consoles and proms are extravagant, unnecessary wastes

Both gaming consoles and proms are extravagant, unnecessary wastes which both use entertainment as the justification of their existence.

Many of the games I've seem are quite ostentatious.

you see, every valid defense you use of gaming consoles could be used in the same context to defend a prom. And every valid criticism of the prom could be used to critiize the gaming console. The only difference being in degrees, which in this case is not very great.

[lumberjack_jeff]

188. How can a game be ostentatious?

I suppose if you left the price tags on and made earrings out of the boxes. :shrug:

[LanternWaste]

189. In precisely the same way a dress can be.

"How can a game be ostentatious?"

In precisely the same way a dress can be.

On edit: However, it seems you fall in the category of one who will vociferously justify and defend the wasteful expense of a gaming console in much the same way one would defend the waste of a prom. If that is indeed the case, it would appear that by this point we're merely talking at each other. So I will slink away.

But in the end, for every prom dress or PC game we needlessly buy (of which, I'm in that number too), we must realize that there are people who are actually starving and that the money we waste on that game/dress could alleviate that-- at least for one child for a week or a month. That's why (to me), the difference between a gaming system and a prom are negligible-- defend one, defend the other. Criticize one, criticize the other-- any other option is (from where I sit), a knee-jerk defense of hypocrisy and justification of another wasteful lifestyle.

And now you may take/make the last point if you wish.

[lumberjack_jeff]

190. Adj. 1. ostentatious - intended to attract notice and impress others; "an ostentatious sable coat"

It isn't a matter of my defending the gaming consoles - I'm not buying one of the newfangled ones for my kids any time soon. It's a matter of my distaste for the outrageous spectacle of modern proms, and the implicit assumption that participating in it is an unmet need among kids who can't afford actual necessities, a need which can be met by charitable donors.

Unless I carry my gaming console with me to impress passers-by, it does not serve the same purpose as a bacchanalian prom.

[LanternWaste]

191. tawdry or vulgar

Ostentatious adj. 2. tawdry or vulgar

[Breeze54]

193. So, your kids need violent games? Most of them are. Prom dresses are just dresses. n/t

[lumberjack_jeff]

197. No. But then again, no well-meaning charities have been formed to convince them that they do. n/t

[Breeze54]

202. Sounds like 'your charity' is getting them for them.

:eyes:

I refused to buy my kids any video games or consoles. It's not a necessity to survive.

If they wanted them, then they had to earn the $$ to get them and show ID to get the V one's.

But most of the games available are violent to some degree. What kind of value is that teaching your kids?

I mean, you said you bought them the game console.

[lumberjack_jeff]

205. Focus lady, focus. The topic isn't me or you.

It isn't even about the digression to video games.

My objection to proms isn't that they're "unnecessary". My objection is that they are extravagant, ostentatious and financed by parents engaged in social warfare with the neighbors. "Fun" and "frivolous" are part of growing up. Staking a claim to the upper reaches of the social heirarchy need not be.

My objection to a charity formed to facilitate it is that it then is tacitly acknowledged that participating in this spectacle is a need.

I got your :eyes: and I'll raise you :eyes: and :banghead:.

[Breeze54]

206. But all proms are not extravagant, ostentatious and financed by parents!

That's what you keep saying but that doesn't make it true at all!

And I have a question for you:

You said this "stuff" (proms) makes it hard for parents to instill 'values' in their kids.

But shouldn't the kids already have those values, by the time they reach Prom age? :shrug:

IMHO, if a parent still haven't achieved that by prom time, then they probably never will.

Too late by then.

[lumberjack_jeff]

207. It's your op. By my definition "the average" would qualify as extravagant.

With the average high school girl spending $650 to attend her prom, is it any wonder
many of the area’s high school girls will never experience this special night?

The values that a culture embraces are not cast in stone by the parents.

[Breeze54]

208. And as you and I already discussed. That is an average for a high end prom but not the norm.

But have fun beating a dead horse.

Maybe that reporter was wise and smart, after all, to use that average! :D

Got a lot of attention for the cause! :applause: :applause:

[lumberjack_jeff]

209. I scanned the article for "high end" - it wasn't there. "Average" was.

The sentence, "With the average high school girl spending $650 to attend her prom" is either accurate or it is bullshit.

If it was accurate, then I consider it borderline obscene. If it was bullshit, or one of a collection of "averages" from which the author could choose, then it's worse - it's establishing a benchmark which is both arbitrary and ruinous - which ordinary people should attempt to meet.

[Breeze54]

210. Prom costs can greatly vary depending on how much you want to splurge on prom options.

Your prom night can be the best evening of high school, but it can also be the most expensive.

http://www.kansascityproms.com/prom_sense.php

Typical Prom Costs for Girls
Typical Prom Costs for Guys


Prom costs can greatly vary depending on how formal your school makes the dance and how much you want to splurge on prom options. You can have a great time without spending a fortune. Take time to plan ahead. Make a list of how much you are willing to spend on each aspect of prom. Add up the components and you have…gasp… the total you will need for prom night.

Nationwide, prom costs average about $600.00. Some people spend a lot less, and some spend over a $1000.00. Prom dresses and tuxedos are only the beginning of prom costs.

Prom pictures, dinner, prom tickets, flowers, and possibly limousines all add up to big bucks. Be realistic about what you expect to spend. The earlier you plan, the easier it is to have everything you want for your special night!

KC Proms makes your prom shopping a breeze. No matter what your budget, KC Proms has local and national vendors offering all the hottest styles and locations for every service associated with your prom night.

Typical Prom Costs for Girls:
Item Average Costs Your Cost
Prom Dress $160-450 $_______
Boutonniere $10-30 $_______
Accessories $100-300 $_______
Evening Bag $_______
Jewelry $_______
Shawl or Wrap $_______
Shoes $_______
Undergarments $_______
Hair (Cut/Color/Style) $35-75 $_______
Manicure and/or Pedicure $15-45 $_______
Other Style Services $25-50 $_______
(waxing, tweezing, tanning) $_______
Makeup $30-65 $_______
(purchase or application) $_______
Average Cost Range $375-$1015 $_______

------------------

How much the typical prom costs depends on how you define "typical. ...
found couples in that Midwestern state spent an average $509 on the prom in 2004, ...
www.moneycentral.msn.com/content/CollegeandFamily/Raisekids/P114793.asp

-------------------

Planning for Prom Costs
Event cost was an average of $72 for dance tickets and $11 for post prom expenses.
The total cost for attending prom last year was approximately $258," ...
www.ext.nodak.edu/county/rolette/prom.html

-----------------

Look like a prom queen, prom dresses, prom hair, prom hairstyles, prom ...

Though the average cost for different services varies greatly from state to state...
www.promspot.com/ps_article.htm?Object=A40107134006&subchannel=PROM_COMMITTEE

------------------------

Some spend that much, as I stated at least four times, in the last two days but not everyone.

[lumberjack_jeff]

211. Yeah, I get that. Hence the term "average".

From one of your links:

Your Prom magazine said its poll of national readers, which includes teens in pricier places, found the average price tag was over $1,000, with boys spending $545 and girls $530.

:puke:

Nausea caused in large part by the very existence of "Your Prom Magazine".

[Breeze54]

212. Whatever dude, it's not like they go to the prom every weekend.

Get over it! :P It's a once in a lifetime event.

If they have the $$ to spend, then have at it, if they want.

Not all weddings are expensive either but some people are outrageous

on what they spend and then they get married again and do it again!

But that is supposed to be only a once in a lifetime event too.

At least the HS prom really IS once in a lifetime! :P

[lumberjack_jeff]

214. The people I know who had the most expensive weddings...

... are also the ones for whom it wasn't "a once in a lifetime event."

"Gifts! Limos! Vacation! Adulation! Dress up! I should do that again!"

Where would they get that idea?

[Breeze54]

216. From their divorce and then subsequent re-marriage?

:shrug:

[CRF450]

217. Just because people dont donate anything to the poor...

Like dresses and game consoles makes many of us who can afford that stuff out as having "wasteful lifestyles". Mind you, I have given my old PS2 to family friends who cant afford to buy a game console. And I have given my old computer to my aunt cause she kept having problems with her's. I replaced it with a newly built $2000 gaming computer, not just the new computer, a new keyboard, mouse, 22" monitor, and a 500watt surround sound speaker system. Otherwise I have nothing else to donate or give away. Though I'd be willing to sell my dirtbike, but whoever wants it will have to give me about $3000. But I'd end up buying another soon after.

Wanna know what else I have? Because I assure you, when I'm not out their working my ass off to afford what I have, I gotta have some kind of entertainment, wheather it be, riding my dirbike, playing games, watching movies or tv on my $2000 tv plus a few more on the surround sound sytem. I spend that much on things like this because I like quality sound/image, and at times, I'd like to crank up the music without it sounding like crap. And, IT'S MY MONEY. Sure a $300 home theatre system would suffice for most people, but for us audiophiles, they're no good.

I'v bought all the toys I want. And it'll probably be another 4 years before I built another high powered computer. No more high priced stuff for now, since I have my own house to take care of.

[conflictgirl]

133. I understood your point in posting this and I'm sorry it seemed to get so twisted out of proportion

I think that sound like a neat charity, personally. I'm so far past my own prom that I don't have the dresses anymore, but I do have a bridesmaid dress that would be very suitable for prom that I could donate. (Plus, since I'm likely going to be making a huge move soon, the more stuff I can jettison the better! :) )

I think lots of young girls would really like to go to prom and can't afford it. We're not talking about needing to do the whole over-the-top extravagant version with limos and professional hairstylists and all that stuff, but dresses alone are usually over $100. At least around here, few used dresses are available at thrift stores. I personally don't think prom is the be-all end-all, but a chance to get dressed up for a special occasion can be fun and it is generally considered one of those cultural teenage moments that someone might reasonably want to participate in. I'd much rather that someone decided to blow off prom (as I did in my own senior year) because they reject what it stands for, than to want to go and have to sit home because they can't afford a dress.

If I can help some girl have a special night without her having to cough up the money for a dress, especially without it really costing ME anything, what's wrong with that? :shrug:

[Breeze54]

136. I don't understand it either.

Quite frankly, I'm appalled at some of the responses. I think some have been mean and vindictive. I know there are women that will donate to these kids and that was the only intention of this OP. I don't see why homeless or poor kids should be shut out of this high school event either. It's like the last 'hurrah' for some, before they enter adulthood. I think it might help raise their self-esteem and give them a little brightness in a unhappy situation not of their doing. Maybe give them a better outlook on life. Who knows? It won't solve all their problems but it isn't supposed to do that. It's just a little help for a kid who may need it, whether anyone else thinks the Prom is a good thing or not.

Thank you, conflictgirl, for understanding the idea behind this OP. :hug:

[Horse with no Name]

147. I LOVE to dress up

I love the compliments, I love feeling pretty, I love feeling feminine.
It isn't sexist to say that.
I KNOW what it means to younger girls.
One of the girls had a friend who wasn't extremely poor, but poor enough she was going to have to forego her Junior Prom because her family couldn't afford the dress.
We had a dress in the closet that worked out very well for her. It even had a silk corsage that went with it.
I did her nails. She did her own makeup and someone else did her hair (I can't do black hair).
She was strikingly beautiful and had a wonderful time and couldn't say thank you enough.
I think she ended up buying a pair of shoes at Payless and buying the ticket. Those were her only expenses.
Teaching young women the value of a dollar is a good lesson--however, many kids already know (especially the ones who live in poverty) how tough the world is and how hard money is to come by. Giving them ONE night out of 365 where they don't have to worry about missing out on SOMETHING...isn't a negative thing.

[EFerrari]

163. A prom is a rite of passage into the community.

When I went to mine, my mom was recovering from alcoholism and she'd barely managed to hang on to our house. We frequently went hungry but she was sober, we were together and slowly things were looking up.

Buying a prom dress was like buying the moon. It was funny, too, because we lived in a suburb where most kids probably didn't think twice about where the money would come from.

It's very important for kids to be able to participate in community events. That's how they learn to be in the world.

:hug:

[Chovexani]

141. I'm ambivalent about this.

On one hand, I think Prom Night escapsulates everything that is twisted, fucked up, and horribly insane about high school in one satin-covered package. I despise the very concept of it. Then again, I think the high school experience in the US is tantamount to child abuse anyway.

OTOH, poor and working class kids who can't afford the consipicuous consumption and want to just have fun for a night should be able to, and I'm all for recycling stuff. I think this program is a good idea.

[LeftyMom]

146. That is exactly how I feel about this.

I do want to add that it would be nice if there were an emphasis on reducing costs for everybody, instead of just helping poor kids live up to the unrealistic expectations. An average of $650 is a real dent in the budget of families that aren't exactly poor, too. Geez, I spent less than that on my wedding.

[Chovexani]

152. Definitely

I think schools should step in and do something about it, but I'm not really sure what the answer is. :(

There's something just gross about the way people flaunt wealth during prom, and the parents can be worse than the kids. Some of the most disgusting displays of conspicuous consumption I've ever seen were the stretch Hummer limos filled with boozed up Long Island teens hitting Manhattan after the prom. I always wonder about the poor kids that have to go to school with those schmucks. I grew up working/lower-middle class--mom's a union nurse--and went to a rich WASPy private school on scholarship until I was 14. The kids at my school were proud Mayflower babies, and collected ski lift tags on their expensive J. Peterman jackets in the winter to give you an idea. That's why I feel for the kids who would benefit from the program mentioned in the OP.

I just wish it wasn't necessary in the first place. :(

[LeftyMom]

153. I'm sure they could do a few things:

Host the events at the school, when possible, instead of renting a venue. Require the parents to check the kids in and out, ore at least don't admit them if they get dropped off by limos.

[Breeze54]

150. Cool! The word is spreading!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=13860153

----

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/feb/21/donate-prom-dress-disadvantaged-girl/">Donate a prom dress for a disadvantaged girl

snip-->

About 100 disadvantaged high school girls will be blessed with gowns this prom season,
if all goes according to plan. Fairy Godmothers of Southwest Florida will give each girl
one brand new or gently used prom dress for $5, .... more...

-----------------


http://media.www.dailytitan.com/media/storage/paper861/news/2005/04/25/News/Students.Volunteer.To.Aid.PromGoers-1538774.shtml">Students volunteer to aid prom-goers'Cinderellas for Life' group collects dresses for disadvantaged girls

Like any senior at Savannah High School, Elisa Vellos has a lot to worry about: finals,
graduation and of course, prom. But for Elisa and many other at-risk and disadvantaged
girls, prom also brings on financial worries, especially when it comes to paying for a
prom dress, ... In the meantime, Elisa Vellos is looking to the very near future, her
prom, May 21, when she will get to wear her new dress and play Cinderella for the day. more...

-------------

http://www.fairygodfoundation.org/about.html

It is the mission of The Fairy God Foundation to enable disadvantaged high school students in
Southeastern Kentucky to enjoy a memorable prom experience. The Foundation seeks to accomplish
this mission with a multi-faceted program of assistance that includes free prom dresses and free
or discounted tuxedos, salon services, flowers, dinners, and other accompaniments of prom.

-------------

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS131687+12-Feb-2008+BW20080212">New Jersey's Top Two Youth Volunteers Selected in 13th Annual National Awards Program

snip-->

TRENTON, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
Matthew Renzulli, 18, of Wayne and Joey Rizzolo, 13, of Paramus
today were named New Jersey's top two youth volunteers for 2008 by The
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring
young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

snip-->

In addition, the program judges recognized six other New Jersey
students as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community
service activities. Each will receive an engraved bronze medallion:

Emily Hall, 18, of Hackettstown, a senior at Hackettstown High
School, assembled more than 200 gift bags full of donated toys and
games for underprivileged children undergoing treatment at two
hospitals. To supply her bags, Emily solicited donations of money and
toys from family and friends, and stood in front of a local Wal-Mart
to ask shoppers to purchase and then donate items on her shopping
list.

Anne Carter Haughton, 17, of Princeton, a senior at Princeton High
School, launched a project with her sister to collect donations of new
and gently used prom dresses for girls from poor families in
Appalachia. Over the past two years, the "Prom Dreams" project has
distributed 367 gowns in two counties in Kentucky and West Virginia.

Sasha Lipton, 17, of Mountainside, a senior at Governor Livingston
High School in Berkeley Heights, started a program that rescues,
refurbishes and recycles plastic toys so that unwanted playthings
bound for landfills can be given to needy children instead. "Second
Chance Toys" has saved and delivered more than 600 toys to
organizations serving the disadvantaged all over New Jersey, and
recently opened an affiliate chapter in Pennsylvania.

Rebecca Moran, 18, of Cape May Court House, a senior at Middle
Township High School and a member of the Volunteer Center of Monmouth
County in Long Branch, started a campaign to tutor disadvantaged
children in reading and to raise money to buy books for children and
school libraries. Her "Tri-State Read to Succeed Campaign" has grown
to include 750 reading tutor volunteers in several states, and has
raised $90,000 for book purchases.

Mark Quien, 17, of Moorestown, a senior at Moorestown High School,
has been active in projects benefiting homeless and other poor people
in Camden, N.J. He has organized toy and clothing drives for a
homeless shelter, recruited friends and classmates to volunteer at the
shelter and at a soup kitchen, and formed a club at his school to
attract others to this cause.

Ryan Zimmerman, 17, of Cranford, a senior at Cranford High School,
organized an all-day, townwide volleyball tournament last year to
increase awareness about cancer and to raise money for cancer
research. His "Learn and Serve Marathon" drew more than 250 local
residents and raised $2,600 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure
organization and the American Cancer Society.

"Over the past 13 years, we've seen an incredible number of young
Americans who have selflessly devoted their time and energy to helping
others in their communities," said Arthur F. Ryan, chairman of
Prudential Financial. "The volunteer work of this year's honorees is
as inspiring as any we've seen, and we are honored to recognize the
amazing contributions they've made to their neighborhoods, cities and
nation."

more....

[JVS]

157. And for those who are unable to find dresses, they should know that JVS prefers prom dates undressed

:evilgrin:

[Hippo_Tron]

158. Are they giving the girls cigarettes and encouraging them to breast feed in public as well?

[Quantess]

160. They all have prom dinners at Olive Garden.

:rofl:

[Hippo_Tron]

161. Yea and before that they go shopping at circuit city and have their receipts checked

[Breeze54]

162. Why, of course!! What else?!

:rofl:

[Hoof Hearted]

165. A DONATED dress cannot be more than three to four years old. ?

My prom dress was a product of innovation and thrift.

This looks like grotesque consumerism and a marketing ploy.

[cynatnite]

171. At Sears and Penny's here at the mall...

the formal dresses are at least that age. My daughter was so flustered with it that she bought a friend's dress for her last formal dance. It was two years old.

I was asking her if she's sure about having a used dress like that. She laughed at me and said, 'Mom, a lot of girls do it.'

Besides, it's about style which is what majority of teens are about. The newer the better.

[tammywammy]

218. I think it's more to settle the hassle of getting a bunch of

taffeta disasters.

I'm sure if I still had my prom dress, it would be almost 10 years old now, but it's a classic style they'd take it in.

[ballroom-blitz]

168. Prom and why?

Thanks for mentioning our organization the Ballroom Blitz www.ballroom-blitz.org

I started the Ballroom Blitz two years ago after learning that over 200 girls in my local area were not attending their graduation prom each year due to financial costs.

It isn't about the glamor of the night that made me create the organization - it's about the celebration of finishing 12 years of school instead of dropping out.
So many kids deal with incredibly difficult family issues and with tremendous financial strains.
It's about being able to celebrate with your peers... while your parents are laid off, or you need hold after school jobs just to help support a younger sibling while your single mother works, or you don't fit a store bought dress while you are in a wheelchair...or you just don't agree with spending a few hundred dollars on a dress when you need to save to go to university in the fall.

Last year over 75% of the girls who came and found a free prom dress gave us a donation of $30.00 - $40.00. This year some brought back the dress so someone else would be able to attend their prom without the costs of the dress added onto the night.

If we can teach these young women to help out others by donating the dress back, or to come and volunteer with us the next year, then I feel we have taught them a great lesson on being a caring human being.

This year we have had several girls from the high school fashion programs offering to make dresses for us, and others offering their skill as graphic designers to help with poster design.

There is tremendous public support for these donation/prom dress give-a-way organizations and as long as even one girl considers sitting home instead of going to prom - when she wants to attend - then I will be there to offer a free dress and gift certificates of hair updo's and other items that get donated to us each year to give away to these girls.

By the way, the posters who suggest sewing a dress - that is great if you own a sewing machine and can afford the cost of material.
Goodwill stores - sure if you want a dress that is probably so outdated it could have been worn in Saturday Night Live...I had a lot of puffy sleeve, big bowed dresses which were donated to primary grade students who were putting on plays of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty last year..perfect.
The ones that are really awful were taken to Goodwill - at least they can cut them up for rags which get sold...or they are given to fashion students to use the fabric to make new items.

So to all who shat on your post I say 'may you never have to know hardship in your life'.

[PeaceNikki]

181. Thank you for adding your perspective.

This thread has some of the most outrageous statements I've ever read anywhere.

"...it's about the celebration of finishing 12 years of school instead of dropping out."

Indeed.

[Breeze54]

182. Welcome to DU, ballroom-blitz and thank you for caring about all those kids!

What a wonderful story and I'm so glad you shared it with all of us!!

We need more people in the world like you!! :hug:

:D

:yourock:

[lumberjack_jeff]

194. Welcome to DU

I applaud your spirit of charity, but I question that it could be better directed.

Do you accept/donate mens suits and tuxes?

[tammywammy]

219. Excellent post

Thanks for coming here to share that and put this thread into perspective.

[usaftmo]

169. Not going to my prom was the best

decision I made in a long time for multiple reasons:

1) a very large majority of my classmates got on my nerves something fierce; the last thing I want to do is spend a lot of money, then go somewhere I hate and spend my time dealing with those same people

2) the obscene costs; although renting a tux is peanuts compared to what the cost of a dress (not to mention the hair/nails/make-up ladies go through)...corsage + transportation + food + whatever = misery

3) not a night person at all (still that way); when it's 9:00 I have a hard time staying awake...at 10:00 if I'm not in bed then I'm blacking out wherever I'm at

4) detest being in DC, and the prom was at the Mayflower
- Northern Virginia (specifically Arlington) have plenty of nice hotels...let's keep the business
within Arlington and have it there as opposed to DC

5) in a few days I'm never going to see 99.9% of them again...so let's start early

[cynatnite]

172. For the record...this has been going on for quite a while now...

I found out when my daughter started high school. They hold a drive every year at the schools here. Girls bring their dresses, sell them at a discount and buy other dresses for the formals.

It works very well. Formal dresses that would have only been worn once go to someone else who either can't afford a new expensive dress or just wants to save money.

This is actually a lot more popular than most people realize.

[DesertRat]

177. Here's information for the Metropolitan Phoenix area

http://www.cinderellaaffair.org/

A couple of years ago when my daughter was a senior, this group came and picked up at her all-girls high school. They collected dresses, shoes and purses for girls in need.

These are wonderful organizations. Thanks for posting! :hi:

[fujiyama]

178. The importance and significance of Prom is overstated

but donating clothes can't be a bad idea. And if it makes a financially disadvantaged teen's life a little bit better, that can't be a bad thing can it?

Personally, I really didn't care for high school. I never attended prom either. I don't keep in close contact with very many people I met then either. The most significant friendships I have now, were mostly formed before HS or during college.

[lumberjack_jeff]

196. I concede that making the costume more broadly available might reduce the spectacle.

If everyone can go, then most of the attendees will be of normal means. If that is the case, the fewer kids will (ideally) want to be the abnormal kid with a champagne-stocked limo.

One can hope.

[Breeze54]

198. It is against the law to have liquer in a limo with juveniles. I think you know that too.

And a Limo rental, split between 8 kids is better than them driving themselves into the city to the event.

[stanwyck]

192. Wow. It's true. People NEVER recover from high school

the wounds run too deep. Decades later, people are still the walking wounded from whatever happened, or didn't, in high school.
Look at all the hysteria here over a simple request to donate prom dresses. We've had accusations from child abuse to social injustice.
Hey, I'm sorry you didn't get asked to prom. Or the girl you asked turned you down. You're 45 yrs. old now. Get over it. Maybe someone else won't have the issues you have. They'll go and have a good time. They'll find some joy in life for a few hours. Or not.
It is not necessary to suck all the joy out of life in order to prove your liberal/progressive credentials. Our credentials are just as worthy as yours. And we went to our proms and had a great time.
Get over it.

[lumberjack_jeff]

195. Some of us are parents of high school students

Who are forced into an unnecessarily difficult battle of instilling appropriate values into the next generation.

I'm glad you had fun.

[Breeze54]

201. I had 3 HS students with great values and they went to their proms and had FUN!

FUN being the operative word! I think your true beef is you think you have to pay for it!!

I learned to tell my kids, "No!", when they were little. ;) But my kids also worked and

earned money to buy the stuff they wanted, not needed. If they chose to earn money

to pay for prom, well, it's their money do with what they want. They earned it after all.

[Midlodemocrat]

203. And some of us accomplished that without taking away the fun of a prom.

To each his own.

[stanwyck]

213. Mother of boy/girl twins

who went to their prom and had a wonderful time. They paid for their tux rental/dress/limo/dinner. Paying your own way for your good time involves values, also. Not sure why going to a dance destroys your family values.

[lumberjack_jeff]

215. When my son went to the prom...

... he wore my suit (luckily he is the same size as me) and borrowed my old Chevelle. He had a great time and didn't overspend.

He is also confident in himself and knows that trying to keep up with the lawyers/bankers/car dealers kids is a fools errand. Unlike his peers, he doesn't subscribe to "your prom magazine", so he was blissfully ignorant that the expectation is that he should spend $500+
http://www.moneycentral.msn.com/content/CollegeandFamily/Raisekids/P114793.asp

[Breeze54]

199. LOL...I don't think the naysayers have "liberal/progressive credentials."!

:rofl:

[Midlodemocrat]

200. .

:applause:

And, this is a great cause. My own daughter's many formal dresses from homecomings and proms were donated and I sincerely hope that the girls who wore them had as much fun as she did.

It's not about the dress, or about materialism. It's about enjoying a high school ritual. I well remember my prom. I had a fantastic time and the boy and I are still very good friends.

and, you are so right about not getting over high school. It is beyond pathetic.