The Hynes Convention Center in Boston was transformed on Saturday into a prom shopping paradise, providing over 1,500 teens with the opportunity to say yes to their dream prom dress at the annual Belle of the Ball event."When I saw myself in the mirror in this dress, I was like this is that dress, this is my dress," said Laurel Andrew, a student at TechBoston Academy.The Belle of the Ball event is an annual initiative that ensures students in need can attend their prom looking stylish and feeling special."I think it’s really generous that they allow us to do this because not a lot of girls have opportunities like this," said Jailani Marquez from Lawrence High School.Jordan's Furniture and Anton's Cleaners are the key contributors to this event. Jordan's Furniture collects the dresses."We get thousands and thousands of dresses, people come in, they’re so nice," said Eliot Tatelman, president of Jordan’s Furniture.Anton's Cleaners ensures the dresses are in perfect condition for the big day."I make sure they’re all clean, get 'em all clean, put up on the right hangers. Move them from one store to another, so that we get them all here looking great," Arthur Anton, of Anton’s Cleaners, said.The event offers a wide variety of dresses, with some dresses donated after being used and some brand new. The variety of options was overwhelming for some students."Tons of options. When we walked in I was like whoa," said Kennedy Thompson from Madison Park High School.Volunteers at the event help the teens pick out their dream look, from the dress and the jewelry to the shoes."When they find the perfect dress the smile on their face is unbelievable. Unbelievable," said Sandra Dibacco, a volunteer at the event.Once the outfit is complete, it's time for the teens to show it off on the runway."When you find that dress at the end, it’s just all this mixture of emotions. Happiness, excited, how will people see this. I love it, so they should love it too," said Laurel Andrew.The event not only provides a dress but also encourages a cycle of giving.Everyone who leaves with a dress is encouraged to donate it back to the cause, so another person can have that magical moment.
BOSTON —
The Hynes Convention Center in Boston was transformed on Saturday into a prom shopping paradise, providing over 1,500 teens with the opportunity to say yes to their dream prom dress at the annual Belle of the Ball event.
"When I saw myself in the mirror in this dress, I was like this is that dress, this is my dress," said Laurel Andrew, a student at TechBoston Academy.
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The Belle of the Ball event is an annual initiative that ensures students in need can attend their prom looking stylish and feeling special.
"I think it’s really generous that they allow us to do this because not a lot of girls have opportunities like this," said Jailani Marquez from Lawrence High School.
Jordan's Furniture and Anton's Cleaners are the key contributors to this event. Jordan's Furniture collects the dresses.
"We get thousands and thousands of dresses, people come in, they’re so nice," said Eliot Tatelman, president of Jordan’s Furniture.
Anton's Cleaners ensures the dresses are in perfect condition for the big day.
"I make sure they’re all clean, get 'em all clean, put up on the right hangers. Move them from one store to another, so that we get them all here looking great," Arthur Anton, of Anton’s Cleaners, said.
The event offers a wide variety of dresses, with some dresses donated after being used and some brand new.
The variety of options was overwhelming for some students.
"Tons of options. When we walked in I was like whoa," said Kennedy Thompson from Madison Park High School.
Volunteers at the event help the teens pick out their dream look, from the dress and the jewelry to the shoes.
"When they find the perfect dress the smile on their face is unbelievable. Unbelievable," said Sandra Dibacco, a volunteer at the event.
Once the outfit is complete, it's time for the teens to show it off on the runway.
"When you find that dress at the end, it’s just all this mixture of emotions. Happiness, excited, how will people see this. I love it, so they should love it too," said Laurel Andrew.
The event not only provides a dress but also encourages a cycle of giving.
Everyone who leaves with a dress is encouraged to donate it back to the cause, so another person can have that magical moment.
