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Say yes to the prom dress! Local program lets high schoolers borrow expensive formal wear for free

Event is this Saturday in Valrico
Posted at 5:04 AM, Jan 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-30 08:44:08-05

VALRICO, Fla. — Would you say yes to a free prom dress?

A new program called Gowns for Girls sure hopes so.

Two Hillsborough County women have gathered more than 500 new and gently used formal gowns, some approaching an original $1,000 price tag.

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On Saturday, high school girls having trouble affording a prom dress can borrow one for free from Gowns for Girls.

“These dresses are screaming, ‘Wow, look at me, put me on!’” says teacher Stephanie Brown, who started the program with friend Alicia Tew.

The woman behind Gowns for Girls were inspired by the similar Belle of the Ball project in Pinellas County. Brown has also helped students in need with formal wear.

RELATED: Belle of the Ball offering free homecoming dresses available for in-need high school teens

Dress donations came in from all over, including a pop-up boutique that had expensive beauty pageant gowns.

Tide Dry Cleaners is helping out too, providing cleaning and drop-off services.

Gowns for Girls will be held this Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Centerpoint Church in Valrico. Students should be accompanied by an adult. Dressing rooms will be provided.

There will be another Gowns for Girls event on February 22.