Prom is a timeless tradition that creates lasting memories for high school students before they start the next chapter of their lives. But when Plant City High School senior Chase Dunn was talking to his classmates, he found out some of those memories might not happen. Several girls said they weren’t going to attend the dance because they could not afford a dress.
Dunn knew he had to do something about it. So, he started Operation Prom Dress. Dunn is collecting gently worn dresses to give to students who are in need.
“It’s very important,” Dunn said about prom. “I think a lot of women remember their prom, and they should be able to participate without the financial constraint.”
No stranger to service projects, Dunn has completed a variety of volunteer activities to achieve Eagle Scout ranking. Now he’s working on his religious emblem for Scouts. When his pastor at Plant City’s First Baptist church told him to look around the community for a need, Dunn tuned in to his school.
“I think it really hit home because it’s kids helping kids,” his mother, Stacy, said. “He’s a teen who sees a need with his own classmates.”
Dunn came up with the idea for Operation Prom Dress several weeks ago. When he talked to Plant City High School guidance counselor Sherrie Mueller, Dunn found that there were similar programs in St. Petersburg and Tampa, but none locally. He hopes the program will stick in Plant City so he can pass it on to other willing participants next year.
“The more people we get involved, the bigger it can be and the bigger the impact,” Dunn said.
Already he’s received about six glittering dresses of all sizes, lengths and colors. But he still needs more. Dresses can be dropped off at Plant City High School, Remedi Spa or Plant City’s First Baptist Church. Dresses will be accepted until March 7 and must be cleaned and undamaged.
“We need something that would be ready to be worn by a young girl,” Stacy Dunn said. “All shapes, all sizes. The more dresses donated, the more girls helped.”
Students from any Plant City area high school can submit an application to receive a dress, including Durant and Strawberry Crest high schools. Applications are available at Plant City High School or Plant City’s First Baptist Church. They must be submitted by March 1.
Once approved, the girls will try on and select a dress from the prom closet during one of the three appointment sessions. The girls will also receive a certificate for a free manicure service from Remedi Spa to help them look their best on prom night.
For Operation Prom Dress, Dunn is also accepting formal accessories such as shoes, jewelry and purses, as well as monetary donations to buy additional dresses and help with other costs, such as cleanings, if needed.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Stacy Dunn said. “I look back on my senior year and I can’t imagine not being able to go to prom. Those memories are priceless.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
OPERATION PROM DRESS
To donate a dress, visit:
• Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 N. Palmer St.
• Remedi Spa, 511 W. Alexander St.
• Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place
Arrangements for a committee member to pick up dresses may be made by calling Stacy Dunn at (813) 752-2433. Dress donations will be accepted until March 7.
To pick up an application, visit:
• Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 N. Palmer St.
• Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place
Local organizations that wish to refer girls to the program should contact Stacy Dunn at (813) 752-2433. Applications for participation must be returned by March 1.