High School Prom Dreams Come True For Underprivileged Pasadena Teens

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — The Salvation Army was transformed into a dress boutique Saturday to help deserving girls attend their high school proms in Pasadena.

According to a nationwide survey conducted by Visa, the average cost of attending prom -- including the price of clothes, limousine rentals, tickets, and dinner -- can soar as high as $1,125 in California, which many cannot afford.

In an effort to help make prom affordable, The Salvation Army, Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and community donors collected over 100 new and gently used prom dresses from Anna Elyse Collection and Bridal and Special Times boutiques, former students and staff members for the seventh year in a row.

Officials explained The Salvation Army partnered with the PUSD to select teens to preregister for the event based on need.

More than 60 underprivileged high school students attended the special event from 9 a.m. to noon -- located in the 900 block of East Walnut Street -- where they browsed through the dresses that were offered free of charge.

In addition to a dress, they each received a $30 gift card to to help purchase other accessories needed for their big night.

The Factory Hair & Make-Up Studio, Bottega Salon & Spa, and Salon 90 also donated gift certificates for make-up and styling, which were given to select teens during a drawing.

The event was part of The Salvation Army's approach to meet local needs. They have served Southern California for more than 125 years.