VERNON — Prom time usually signifies a large price tag for high fashion, but The Cornerstone Foundation is in its seventh yr of helping nearby superior faculty students with the hefty expense.
The yearly no cost Promenade Boutique shop is open up to all significant school pupils on April 29 and 30, at 1C Prospect St., presenting gently used and new evening robes and tuxedos, shoes, evening luggage, jewelry and make-up.
Much like a posh boutique, pupils can test on the garments, and get household the things of their alternative. Small alterations are also available on web site for totally free.
Spokeswoman Alexis Carmichael reported that the basis started off this once-a-year party 7 yrs in the past when students arrived to the nonprofit looking for a prom dress. That allow the agency know there was a have to have to give promenade attire to the group. The party has given that developed, as they have been given over 450 donated promenade attire for the boutique this calendar year.
Christine Filanowicz, director of the Clothes Bank and the Prom Boutique, stated that in the commencing, the clothes lender had just a handful of prom dresses hanging on a rack.
“Then it became, ‘well gee, you know, I’m getting a problem. Do you have attire?’” she stated a consumer requested about eight yrs in the past.
Filanowicz then determined to mail out notices to the general public, trying to find donations of promenade attire and official eveningwear. The rest is history, she claimed of the growth.
It started out as a service for Vernon college students and nearby communities, which include East Hartford, Ellington, Manchester, South Windsor, and Tolland. But in 2018 organizers stated they served significant school students from farther away, which include from Ashford, Rocky Hill, and Putnam.
1 of the matters that stood out for Filanowicz this yr was aiding a person distinct girl who was from Hungary and new to this region seem for a prom costume with her family members.
She bought her dress and all the components, Filanowicz explained. As she went outdoors holding her new gown, Filanowicz stated the lady exclaimed “‘Best working day ever!’ How do you not appear at that with joy?” Filanowicz asked.
Filanowicz explained that only a few of weeks back, the girl did not have a gown.
“She did not know anything at all about a promenade. ‘What’s a promenade? We really do not have that in Hungary.’ That was entertaining operating with them … seeing (the moms) glimpse at their girls in their robes at the mirror,” Filanowicz explained.
The mom of the lady from Hungary “just experienced tears coming down — she was so psyched for her daughter,” she mentioned.
Cornerstone is a religion-based ministry run generally by volunteers that supplies foodstuff, shelter, clothes and outreach products and services in 5 structures unfold in the course of downtown Rockville.
With its annual Promenade Boutique, the nonprofit offers a exceptional provider for higher school students.
Rockville Substantial University Principal Jason Magao explained he enormously values the group partnership that the school has with the boutique.
“The Cornerstone Promenade Boutique has presented our learners with amazing options to attend proms without the need of owning to worry on their own with the substantial expenditures concerned in purchasing a costume from retail store,” Magao said. “Our team and college students alike assistance Cornerstone and we truly enjoy what they give in return to our learners and households. We are not able to thank them ample.”
Deidre Montague covers the cities of Vernon and Stafford.