Photo Courtesy of Rise

Gowns and accessories available through District 14 Princess Prom Project

Christopher Lang, Correspondent, @topherlang2, Mar 4, 2018 | MonroeNow 

Prom season is quickly approaching.

And the District 14 office of Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo is bringing its Princess Prom Project back to help ensure all girls can afford the formal dresses to attend the big event.

Princess Prom Project collects gently used or new prom dresses donated by community members. The dresses are made eligible to junior and senior high school girls who may not be able to afford the formal wear.

Now in its seventh year, the program also expanded to include dresses for other formal events, the office said in a statement.

Photo Courtesy of Rise

High school students model prom gowns at Rise in Hightstown.

“Over the last seven years, the generosity of individuals donating new or gently worn dresses to the Princess Prom Project has helped put smiles on faces of countless young ladies who have found the perfect dress for a special night,” said DeAngelo, D-14.

High-school aged girls can browse available dresses at the District 14 outreach center in Hamilton Township, 4621A Nottingham Way, beginning on March 5 from 3-6 p.m.

“It’s a lot of fun and relief for the for the girls,” said Rise Executive Director Leslie Koppel, a Monroe Township resident and Middlesex County Freeholder, which has been a beneficiary of the program fox six years.

“It’s a hardship for some families,” Koppel said about the need for providing the dresses.

“As a father of two daughters, I know how important these special occasions can be in creating treasured high school memories,” DeAngelo said. “The Princess Prom Project continues to be a great avenue for families who want their daughters to have memorable evening that will last a lifetime without the burden of an overwhelming price tag.”

The district office will also accept gently worn or new accessories. If families cannot attend one of the scheduled browsing sessions, they can call 609-631-7501 to arrange an appointment.

This year’s browsing and selection events are March 5, March 28, April 10, April 26, May 9, May 17, May 30 and June 7, from 3-6 p.m. at the district’s office, which is located at Shoppes at Nottingham Pointe in Hamilton.

Event is open to high school girls in District 14 and Middlesex and Mercer counties.