Saying Yes to the Right Prom Wear

by olayemi okeniyi

OnApril 15, 2023, the collaboration between the Rochdale Village Community Center and Shonda’s Prom Closet to give away prom attire and accessories to High School Seniors across New York went off without a hitch. The High School seniors came from all over the City - the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, and definitely Queens - to the Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom for a chance to snag the showstopping prom outfit of their dreams.

According to Candace Hutson, Director Shonda’s Prom Closet, “Shonda’s Prom Closet strives to create an experience for the students. When they arrive, they are welcomed by amazing volunteers. They walk into the Grand Ballroom in awe, they hear the music, see all the dresses, tuxes, accessories and think is this all for me? And yes, it is! We celebrate every student. When the student chooses their dress or tux, we all stop and shout, She/ he said yes to the dress or tuxedo! Then they take a picture with their volunteer in front of a backdrop. Although we are a charity, we want the students to feel this is their reward for their efforts to do well in school. They leave feeling empowered and excited to attend prom. The smiles let us know the job was well done.”

She explained that Shonda’s Prom Closet (formerly Operation Prom, Queens, NY) was started in memory of her sister who had helped a family friend find resources for her prom. This act of service is what inspired her to assist 40 young ladies in 2011, and since then the organization has assisted over 1,000 students get ready for prom. To be eligible, students need to be in good academic standing with their school, though the Shonda’s Prom Closet does not verify income.

Shonda’s Prom Closet is a member of the Operation Prom National Network, Inc. This year 140 students registered online, and close to 100 students showed up. While below prepandemic attendance, the turnout is still amazing.

Hutson added that the success of this day was predicated on weeks of preparation. Early in March, a call went out to organizations and individuals to bring or mail in their new to gently used formal attire. Right up until Monday, April 10, 2023, the organization received close to 800 dresses, 30 tuxedos, and other accessories including shoes, jewelry, cummerbunds, ties, bow ties and other formal fittings, which were sorted and prepared for the students.