Three-day prom event provides dresses to teens in need

Serving as a Fairy Godmother for financially struggling teens during prom season is a duty Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Macomb County Community Resource Coordinator Karen Urquhart takes to heart.

“This event is really much more than helping a struggling teen find vintage bridesmaid dresses. More importantly, it’s about making them feel really good about themselves and helping them look forward to attending prom. Prom is a milestone in the lives of most teenagers, especially teenage girls. Many girls are living in households that are experiencing hardship and they dream of attending prom, but are not in a position to go because of the cost. For teens in foster care, it is especially important to give them opportunities to attend events that will help them create positive childhood memories,” Urquhart said.

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Macomb County, Living Faith Church of Michigan in Warren and HandBags of Hope will present A Dress to Remember 2016 on three days in April. The pre-prom event offers a boutique of gowns, shoes, evening bags and jewelry at no cost. The event will be held at Living Faith Church of Michigan in Warren on April 7, 8 and 9. On April 7 and 8, the boutique will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 9, the boutique will be open from 9 a.m. to noon.

Six years ago, Urquhart and some colleagues came up with the idea of offering the prom boutique as they were aware of teens in foster care who wanted to attend prom but didn’t have the means to obtain the formal wear.

Living Faith Church of Michigan assists not only with collections, but also offers assistance in setting up and removing the boutique, according to Urquhart. HandBags of Hope will offer evening bags at the event, and gift bags with personal care products as well, according to HandBags of Hope Founder Jackie Bobcean.

“Living Faith, they have been volunteers at the event and we have a relationship with them. We do other projects with them in the community,” Urquhart said. “HandBags of Hope is also a partner, they are providing an assortment of evening bags.”

Door prizes at the event will include gift certificates for things such as salon services, according to Urquhart. A booth will also be available to offer hair and make-up consultations, Urquhart said.

For more information, donations or to make an appointment to visit the boutique, contact 586-412-6114 or 586-321-4445. Urquhart may also be e-mailed at UrquhartK@michigan.gov. Students interested in participating in the boutique should make an appointment in order to be paired with a personal shopper, and to stagger event traffic, according to Urquhart.

“Any female high school student struggling with the costs associated with formal attire required to attend prom is welcome to call and schedule an appointment,” Urquhart said.

Students can keep the items after prom or donate them back if they wish, according to Urquhart.

The boutique will also accept donations until April 1. New or gently worn backless wedding dresses are being sought, provided that they are in good condition and less than five years old. Sizes 24 to 26 are particularly needed, Urquhart said.

“…When an individual donates a dress or accessory that they most likely wore to a happy occasion, they can help a teen experience happiness too. At the end of the day, it becomes about girls helping girls and that is always important,” Urquhart said.

Accessory donations are also accepted including shoes, evening bags, jewelry and hair accessories. Donations of gift certificates for floral or restaurant services are also accepted, according to Urquhart. Donations are accepted at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Macomb County at 19700 Hall Road, Suite A, Clinton Township, MI 48038, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are also accepted at DSW Roseville, 30777 Gratiot Ave. during business hours, or at Bombshell Bridal Boutique at 27887 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores during business hours.

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