Not every teen girl who dreams of attending a high school prom can afford a gorgeous prom dress. But some of those girls will look fabulous with help from the Princess Project, a nonprofit that provides free dresses and accessories to girls from families who could use a little economic help.
In partnership with the Marin County High School Student Body Presidents Association, the Princess Project has set up dress drives in several Marin County high schools from through Feb. 22. Gently used prom and party dresses, accessories and purses are needed in all sizes and styles are needed. Dresses can be dropped off at the following places
- Novato High in Novato, through Feb. 14
- San Marin High in Novato, through Feb. 14
- The Branson School in Ross, through Feb. 15
- Redwood High in Larkspur, through Feb. 15
- Marin Catholic High in Kentfield, through Feb. 22
Every year, the Princess Project seeks and receives thousands of beautiful new, or nearly new, dresses and accessories in excellent condition from individuals, donors and corporate partners. This year it is partnered with Marin High School co-chairs Sophia Garbarino of Novato and Sarah Seltsam of Petaluma along with the Marin County High School Student Body Presidents Association. Hundreds of volunteers accept and organize these dresses and accessories to run a giveaway event in the early spring for high school girls. Groups of 10 or more teens can make an appointment for a private boutique as well.
“I am thrilled to partner with the Princess Project and coordinate dress drive efforts in Marin County high schools," Garbarino said in a press statement. "I know there will be lots of interest, and this is a great opportunity for Marin students to give back.
Volunteers are needed to help during the event setup period in San Francisco, Feb. 22-23 and March 2-3. Help is also needed at the dress giveaways on March 9, 10 and 16 in the city.
Seltsam said she hopes to have a big Marin County presence at all volunteer opportunities and "is excited to coordinate donations and volunteer efforts with Kathy Khalvati and all of the Marin County student body presidents on this project.”
The Marin County high school co-chairs also want to encourage mothers and daughters to volunteer together, with a group of friends or alone.
“The dress giveaways are a blast and so rewarding,” Garbarino said.
To volunteer with the Princess Project, contact Megan Romero at megan@princessproject.org.
Each year, more than 1,000 Bay Area girls attend the dress giveaway to find that new prom dress and those perfect accessories to make their high school prom a reality. And thanks to the support of all those involved, it’s absolutely free for the girls who need it most.
According to Kathy Khalvati, Founder and Leader of the Marin County High School Student Body Presidents’ Association — the first alliance of student body presidents in Marin — “It’s an honor to be teaming up with the Princess Project. Working with my fellow presidents to advance social justice for causes we can relate to as high school students has been such an inspirational experience. We are more than happy to pool together our resources to uplift the youth in our greater community.”
Since 2002, the Princess Project has served more than 20,000 girls through the dedication of more than 2,000 volunteers and the startup support of Coro Northern California. In 2005, the Princess Project became a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.
If you would like to arrange a private pickup for donated goods, call 892-1332 or 707-658-3334.
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