Giving back to the community with The Giving Gown
The formal season is approaching, and it comes with a price tag. Here is what NewsChannel 6 and several other partners are doing to help lower these costs.
This will be the second year of The Giving Gown. Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Bath Fitter, Bridgestone, and NewsChannel 6 are partnering to bring free formal dresses to the community.
“When working with the Caring for Carolina partners, we realized how expensive it can be for high schoolers and their parents to attend prom, homecoming, and all the school dances,” said Taylor Newton, Director of Community Involvement at WJBF NewsChannel 6.
Events like social events, proms, and more that may require a nice dress can get expensive.
“Everything is crazy expensive right now. So, we were trying to figure out a way to make it more accessible for all students to attend and enjoy their prom, homecoming, and all their events, and what better way than to give back and donate dresses,” said Newton.
More than four hundred dresses were donated, ranging from all different sizes. The event was held on Saturday, March 9th, at First Baptist Church in North Augusta.
“We work so hard to collect these dresses, size them, hang them up, and bring them here to this church that allows us to use its facilities. And the best part is when you see that girl come out just beaming, and her parents are here to see her find her perfect dress, which was made for her and fits like a glove,” said Newton.
Any girl can find their dream dress; the best part is that it is free.
“Girls that are not comfortable going to a dress shop because everything is so expensive. It can be very overwhelming,” said Tatum Miller, a Williston-Elko High School Student. “So, more people can express what they want and what dress they want to wear. With not having to worry about the price tag.”
So many girls can come and enjoy their time without worrying about the price at the end of it.
“Some people will never find a prom dress or anything, and it’s good that somebody has something for free,” said Leilani Gibson. You don’t have to pay for a prom dress. You just find something you like, and you can still go to prom looking beautiful.”
The people running the event love seeing the girls at the end, so happy and in the dress of their dreams.
“It’s so fun watching these girls look through the racks and find dresses that they are so in love with,” said Ashlee Senter, Director of Marketing at Aiken Reginal Medical Centers. “Try them on and them come out with their dream dress.”
They hope to continue this event, and the community continues to donate in the future.
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