Verndale Prom Closet Helping Students Shine
- 15 hours ago
- 1 min read
by Trinity Gruenberg
Since its inception in 2017, the Verndale Prom Closet has transformed the prom experience for numerous students in the Verndale area, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder anyone’s ability to attend this special event.
The initiative began when a local mother and teacher reached out for help after the mother’s son’s prom date expressed her inability to afford a dress.
“I emailed all of my female colleagues asking whether they had any dresses they could donate,” recalled Verndale Teacher Kelly Youngbauer.
The response was overwhelming, leading to the donation of 16 dresses in various sizes, colors, and styles. The girl chose a navy blue gown adorned with silver embellishments.
Youngbauer’s step-daughter styled the girl’s hair and did her make-up, and Youngbauer purchased some jewelry for her.
Youngbauer tried to return the dresses, but was told to keep them. This marked the beginning of a community-driven project that would continue to grow year after year.
In the following years, the Verndale Prom Closet expanded rapidly. The mother of the initial recipient donated even more dresses, further diversifying the collection.
Over time, contributions from Youngbauer’s colleagues and other community members have enriched the collection, which now totals approximately 70 prom dresses, 27 shorter stylish dresses, and seven full suits with coats, vests, pants and some with a matching shirt, 17 suit coats and a full tuxedo, along with other accessories such as jewelry and shoes...
Comments