Operation Prom Celebrates 20 Years
Incredible news from Operation Prom with the celebration of their 20th anniversary! Originally founded in Yonkers, this national non-profit was created as a way to organize the donations of prom dresses, formal wear, and tuxedos for distribution to students in need. This has expanded to accessory items such as shoes, undergarments, jewelry, and bowties. Thus, allowing all high school students to attend prom. This can help them feel confident and empowered regardless of their socio-economic or financial situation.
The values of the organization are also rooted in sustainability and inclusivity. Incredibly, 20 years later, the organization serves all of Westchester County, the New York Metro area, and eight other states.
Operation Prom Impact
“When I first started the organization, I had no idea how quickly we would grow,” Noel D’Allacco, founder and president of the Operation Prom National Network, Inc said.
Noel, also dubbed a self proclaimed Promologist, added, “When I was in college I was an event planner and so many brides and their bridesmaids were purchasing dresses they were only wearing once. I called my former high school (Saunders High School in Yonkers) to see if any students could the once worn dresses. That’s how it all began, as a simple idea to reuse dresses to students who need them.”
The impact of the Operation Prom National Network is quite impressive as they have donated over 5,000 formal wear items. Incredibly, according to Noel, “we have distributed hundreds of thousands of dresses since our inception 20 years ago. Thanks to a partnership with Westchester County Government, we are at the Westchester County Center each year to distribute thousands of dresses and tuxedos each year.”
Additionally, Operation Prom continue to expand our reach in New York and throughout the U.S. Their goal is to increase suit and tuxedo donations. Noel noted that is difficult to find plus-size formal wear, so they hope to create more awareness about getting these items.
To support, attend one of their upcoming donation events as well as their upcoming 20th anniversary on Friday, March 8th with a VIP ceremony at Ethan Allen in Hartsdale. Read on to check out more below:
Operation Prom Events
Friday, March 8th is from 6pm to 9pm
Operation Prom’s 20-Year Anniversary VIP Reception
This event features guest speakers, drinks, photo opportunities, and VIP gift bags for the first 100 guests. Additionally, there will be an exhibit of prom dresses, tuxedos, and nostalgia from the 1920s to today. The prom fashion exhibit will be on display at Ethan Allen on March 9th and 10th. Ethan Allen, 152 S. Central Avenue, Hartsdale, NY
April 12th from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Operation Prom’s Scholarship Fundraiser
Families are invited for a night of music, food, fun, and Bingo. Held at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center, there will also be a photo booth, dinner, and fun BINGO prizes. Westchester Italian Cultural Center, 1 Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe, NY 10707
Friday, April 26th-Sunday, April 28th
Prom 914’s Formal Wear Giveaway
All high school students are invited to receive a free prom dress and tuxedo. Simply bring a valid high school ID. Additionally, the Bee-Line bus fare will be free to students that weekend when they show their ID. On Friday, April 26th reservations are required. Simply visit this link for more info: https://forms.gle/XapMtfDed4WXDJaZ8
On Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th, high school students can simply show up. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave
White Plains, NY 10606.
Operation Prom Donations
Interested in donating? Currently, they accept new or gently used (clean) formal dresses and tuxedos/suits. Additionally, they accept jewelry, evening bags, ties/bowties, new undergarments (shapers/strapless bras), and new shoes.
In Westchester, this includes the following drop-off locations:
Abbeaute Studio & Spa
2 Stowe Road, Suite #4, Peekskill, NY 10566
Donations accepted on Fridays 9am-2pm and Saturdays 9am-4pm
Life Cleaners
300 Nepperhan Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701
Donations accepted during operating hours: Monday thru Friday 7am-5pm and Saturdays 8am-1pm
Maizie Consignment
511 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, NY 10583
Donations accepted on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:00am-5:00pm
Antonio Meucci Lodge
279 Maple Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606
Donations accepted on Mondays and Thursdays until March 31st
Hotel MTK
One Pat Reilly Way, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
Donations accepted during hotel operating hours until April 5th
