WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Old Prom Dresses Seek New Owners

Old Prom Dresses Seek New Owners

By Julie Straw
Julie@wlbt.net

It's one of the biggest events in high school, prom.  Then once the night is over, the elegant dresses are stuffed away in closets and forgotten.  Now one mother-daughter team in Clinton is dusting off the old gowns to give local girls a prom to remember.  It is viewed as a rite of passage for high school upper classmen.  The importance of prom night spans generations.

"Getting dressed up, having your hair done, having flowers, using a whole can of hairspray in just one night," said Olivia Burgess.

Many girls dream about the perfect dress for prom night, but the expensive price tags may leave some feeling like cinderella without a fairy godmother.  That's where Olivia Burgess and her 13 year old daughter Madison come in.  The two launched the non-profit organization Operation Prom Princess.  The Burgess family collect used formal dresses and accessories to give away to teenage girls who could not afford them.

"We can help them have fun for a night and be like a princess," said Madison Burgess.

It doesn't stop at the dress.  To make sure the girls get the royal treatment, Burgess is gathering make up, florists, hair stylists, seamstresses, and much more.

"It's everything.  The whole package.  We want these girls to be total princesses for the night. I hope they take that with them in the future.  I hope this will inspire them to believe they really are worthy," said Olivia Burgess.

Burgess has asked local high school, civic, and church leaders to recommend young ladies to receive the full prom makeover.  Each one will become the owner of an elegant dress that burgess hopes will remind them of their inner beauty.

If you want to contact Burgess, email her at operationpromdress@hotmail.com