283 used prom dresses donated
NEWTON. Project Self-Sufficiency’s Prom Shop offers free, new and gently used formal wear, starting April 4.
Newton /
| 21 Mar 2024 | 04:59
Estrella Rosenberg, left, and Jane Birnbaum bring used prom dresses to Project Self-Sufficiency in Newton. (Photo provided)
Project Self-Sufficiency recently received 283 gently used prom gowns gathered at the “Dance & Donate: A Celebration of Strength, Support & Sisterhood” event coordinated by the Rosenberg Real Estate Group in conjunction with the Montville Township Women’s Club and Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Montville.
The event featured a professional dance lesson, performances, refreshments and photos by Montville photographer Julian Garcia.
The prom dresses will be distributed to teen girls during Project Self-Sufficiency’s annual Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop in April.
”The overwhelming response from the community exceeded all expectations,” said Estrella Rosenberg, who coordinated the effort. “We have a very generous community and the excitement and enthusiasm from women wanting to contribute to our cause was truly inspiring.
“The success of this year’s Women’s Event serves as a testament to the strength and generosity of the Montville community, reaffirming the importance of supporting and uplifting women in need.”
The Prom Shop offers free, new and gently used formal wear, including prom dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, gowns for mothers-of-the-bride, evening bags, jewelry, wraps and shawls, and shoes to teens during select hours in April.
Hundreds of dresses are distributed to teens every year; all items are displayed in a boutique pop-up shop housed on Project Self-Sufficiency’s Newton campus.
The shop is open to the public and no appointment is required.
It will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. April 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11; 3 to 5 p.m. April 5 and 12; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 6 and 13.
“We are touched by the generosity displayed by Estrella Rosenberg and the Montville Township Women’s Club toward the young women in our community,” said Deborah Berry-Toon, executive director of Project Self-Sufficiency.
“We are delighted to have hundreds of unique gowns of all sizes in our collection, and we are looking forward to opening the Prom Shop in April.”
Donations will be accepted at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill St., Newton, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays through April 5.
The shop is a program of the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.
For information, call 973-940-3500 or go online to www.projectselfsufficiency.org