Published: March 20, 2009 02:10 pm      

Making prom affordable

Twelve Mile businesswoman hopes to recycle dresses

TWELVE MILE — Seeking to make the prom memorable — and affordable — for high school girls is the goal of Twelve Mile businesswoman Kassy Hoover.

Hoover’s Capella Studio and Electrolysis Salon has been collecting formal dresses for the past month.

“It will benefit the girls that need help with affording a dress,” said Hoover. “They will still be able to go to prom and have something nice to wear.”

Familiar with a similar project at Logansport High School several years ago, Hoover originally suggested the idea to one of her clients for a senior project. When that didn’t work out, Hoover decided she would carry the idea forward herself.

“I wanted to do it,” she said. “I knew it could be done.”

Hoover has collected close to 50 dresses, ranging in size from 3 to 24.

“They are reasonably priced,” Hoover said.

Prices are based on the style and detail of the dress with the highest marked at $50.

“This is for those who really need help with prom dresses this year,” she said. “Some girls really can’t afford to shop this year as in the past.”

She also hopes girls will be able to think outside the box with the formal dresses and perhaps give them a new look.

“We have several bridesmaid dresses,” she pointed out. “You can add to them or cut them off.”

Hoover hopes to see more dresses, jewelry, purses, shoes and anything for prom such as body spray or shimmer with glitter in it. She wants the girls to have a variety of items from which to choose.

She said anyone can donate, especially purses, shoes and costume jewelry. It’s the perfect time for those looking to do some spring cleaning and make some space in a closet, she said.

“You’re never going to wear them again,” she said. “Make some room and splurge.”

For those who do not have dresses hanging around, Hoover suggested donations of gift certificates for tanning salons and hair salons to help pay for an up-do or hairstyle. She would like to see other local hair salons become involved as well.

Hoover will conduct the sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and April 3 at her studio. She wanted to have one sale before spring break and one the week after in case local girls could not find something elsewhere.

All proceeds from the sale will go to Morningstar Girls Home and the Joy Center in Twelve Mile.

For starting just one month ago, Hoover is pleased with the progress of the project and hopes it will be successful. If all goes well, she is considering conducting the event again next year.

“I feel rushed, but good,” she said. “I think it will be fine.”

Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com



Recycled prom dress drive

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; April 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Capella Studio and Electrolysis Salon, 8040E Ind. 16 Suite B, in Twelve Mile.



Want to donate?

What: Formal dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry, gift certificates, and anything else prom-related.

Where: A drop box is at Walgreens Drug Store, 2301 E. Market St. Items may also be dropped off at the Twelve Mile post office, 8051 E. Ind. 16.

When: Donations accepted until April 3. For more information, contact Kassy Hoover at (574)702-1290.