Dreams of Dresses Become Reality for Boston-Area Girls

WALTHAM, MA - Some girls in the greater Boston area had all the dreams of going to prom in gorgeous gowns but what they didn’t have was the money to make those dreams come true.

Bentley University students came to the rescue and helped about 200 underprivileged girls attend prom in beautiful dresses Saturday.

The “Dresses to Dreams” program not only gives breathtaking prom dresses to students who couldn’t otherwise afford them but also helps the girls gain confidence through hair and makeup tutorials and inspirational speeches.

“A lot of mothers attend the event and they say things like ‘all of these speakers are saying everything I want my daughter to hear. You’re making such a big difference in just one day,’” Dresses to Dreams co-president and Bentley student Amanda McCormick told Patch.

The day also includes a fashion show that stars the girls wearing their brand new prom dresses, which were donated by local boutiques.

The program is nearly in its 10th year and has grown like crazy. Between 10 and 40 girls received prom dresses in the earlier days but last year that number grew to about 200. McCormick said she was excited to see the same number of girls show up this year.

“They’re not just coming for a dress they’re coming for an experience,” McCormick said.

McCormick said some girls even asked how much the dresses cost because they couldn’t believe they were getting them for free.

“The best part is seeing the girls try on the dresses and feel beautiful and excited to go to prom when they thought they couldn’t afford to go,” McCormick said.

Photos taken by Abigail Eisner - D2D executive board, Bentley class of 2018