Last year’s prom season was filled with disappointment, but this year’s prom will be filled with hope…and the perfect dress thanks to members of the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA) who recently held a dress boutique for senior girls at Freeport High School.
LIHBA members outdid themselves this year by collecting more than 150 prom dresses that were delivered to students at Freeport High School so that students could shop for the perfect dress. Girls were able to browse through dozens and dozens of racks that were recently brought into the high school.
Long Island Hispanic Bar Association President Liza Milgrim, partner in Sullivan Papain Block McGrath Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., says many students’ families cannot afford to pay for prom, a dress and the other costs associated with it.
But the dress boutique is even more than an opportunity to receive a free formal dress.
“It’s more than just the dress,” said Milgrim. “For these seniors it’s a moment to celebrate a milestone. We are here to celebrate them and what they have accomplished. Many of these girls are the first to graduate high school in their families.”
All the prom dresses were donated by individuals and local dress boutiques. Although no guests were allowed to tag along with the girls, the members of the LIHBA “oohed” and “ah-ed” and provided the support as the girls tried on their selections.
Each girl was also given a gift bag and an opportunity to choose shoes and jewelry for the occasional as well.
More than 60 girls left with a prom dress and a smile on their face.