The Giving Gown of Tomball held its fourth annual Boutique Day and prepared nearly 400 students for their high school prom on March 25 and 26.

Young women filled the teen center and waited for their appointment with a Giving Gown volunteer.

Once it was their turn, the volunteer brought the student into the boutique area where dresses, shoes and jewelry filled the room.

As each girl tried on her dress, she would continue to wear the one she chose throughout the boutique. The volunteer then escorted her to the shoes which she added to her outfit. The final touch was jewelry. The young women put on matching jewelry and their prom attire was complete.

Volunteers stayed with the young women each step of the way, Founder JoAnn Trchalek said.

“It’s about touching these girls’ lives. That’s why we make it one-on-one,” she said.

If any alterations needed to be made, a seamstress was on hand to do so.

Once the girls were satisfied with what they had chosen they were escorted to the check-out. Their entire selection was free.

Trchalek and Co-founder, Adina Walker, saw the need for the organization after seeing junior and senior girls in high school not being able to attend prom because a family member was laid off from work or financial hardship.

“Some moms can’t take their daughters on a shopping spree,” Trchalek said.

Each year, Giving Gown prepares for Boutique Day by collecting donations of new or like new formal dresses.

Pictured, Givng Gown Volunteer Lindsey Sebastian (right) helps high school student Nicholette Green (left) choose jewelry to match her dress at Boutique Day.

A fashion show is held as its biggest fundraiser, where volunteers model the donated dresses on a runway. All proceeds from the fashion show help create Boutique Day, along with the volunteers.

Trchalek said the organization has more than 190 volunteers.

Walker said the first year Giving Gown served 91 girls, the second year the number jumped to 336 and members hope that the number continues to grow.

Trchalek said students register from all over Texas.

“We don’t ask financial questions,” she said. “They have stayed in school and they deserve to feel important and special.”

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed