They had a ball — and now they’re off to one!
Hundreds of Brooklyn teens scored new clothes, accessories, and makeovers for their upcoming proms in Crown Heights last week, at an event organizers say was designed to make sure every local kid can attend their school dance looking like a million bucks — regardless of how much money they have.
“We want to make sure these ladies and gentlemen still have the opportunity to feel special on their prom day,” said Letitia Graham, president of the Junior League of Brooklyn, which organized the Day of Beauty event.
In addition to fitting around 400 teens with dresses and suits, volunteer staff at the event cut and styled the high schoolers’ hair and did makeup for the young ladies.
Graham says that her team tried to make it a boutique experience by having a volunteer “personal assistants” help each teen pick out their new clothes, before other helpers tailored the duds to each prom-goer.
The event culminated with a volunteer photographer taking portraits of the students in their prom wear, which the family member of one attendee really made it a special day.
“My sister loves being in front of a camera — she had a blast,” said Bushwick resident Itztla Gutierrez, whose younger sister Orisa attended the event. “It was all about individuality and accepting who you are, and I think that was really great for my sister to hear.”
Local residents and stores donated hundreds of frocks, suits, and accessories for the makeovers, and Graham said she was wowed with their community spirit.
“Everyone’s generosity just blew me away,” she said.
