MAKAYLA WELSH, a junior at Morse High School, steams wrinkles out of prom dresses she received as donations for her dress drive, Prom for All.
For Morse high schoolers who are on the fence about attending prom this spring, Makayla Welsh, a junior at Morse High School, wants to make sure that all students have an opportunity to experience this memorable night through her Prom for All dress drive.
Welsh started the drive this year because she realized the costly aspects of prom could deter students from attending the event. She noted that this year ticket prices alone are $30 per student, and have climbed up to $50 in past years.
“A lot of kids don’t go to prom because they can’t afford it and I wanted to help the kids that can’t,” she said. “I also wanted to help the kids that can, but maybe would appreciate having a dress that’s not $300.”
By promoting her event through Facebook and posting fliers all over town, Welsh’s steady collection of dresses began to grow as she received dress donations from community members and supporters alike.
This Saturday, Welsh will open a one-day pop-up dress store at the former Brick Store Antiques site on Front Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The donated dresses will sell for as low as $5 and will not exceed $20.
“I’ve been into a few dress shops and the prices are ridiculous — some of them go all the way up to $500,” she said.
Prom dresses, formal and casual dresses, and dresses for younger students will also be on sale, as Welsh noted that eighth-grade students will most likely be on the lookout for dresses in preparation for an upcoming school dance.
“Before she started her Facebook page about two weeks ago, she only had 20 dresses,” said Makayla’s mother, Becky, the owner of Bath consignment shop J’adore.
As of Wednesday, Welsh had collected more than 80 dresses to sell for the sale.
“I’ve got at least 10 more on the way,” Welsh said. She hopes to have about 100 dresses for the sale on Saturday.
All proceeds from the drive will go toward funding students who need help financing prom night expenses, such as outfits, dinner, transportation, salons and tickets, among other things.
Welsh has been working with Leslie Trundy, a Morse High School guidance counselor, who will help distribute the funds to the students.
“She (Trundy) knows who is in need, and she also gave a shout out to the class that there will be help if it is needed,” said Welsh.
Despite big plans to pursue fashion merchandising in New York City after graduation, Welsh hopes to continue and grow what she’s started — Prom for All.
dkim@timesrecord.com
Dress dollars
ALL PROCEEDS from the dress drive will go toward funding students who need help financing prom night expenses, such as outfits, dinner, transportation, salons and tickets, among other things.
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