"Project Prom" Helps Out High Schoolers - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

"Project Prom" Helps Out High Schoolers

It started nearly a decade ago with the simple idea of providing free dresses for a few girls so they could attend their high school prom.

"'Project Prom' started out eight years ago in the basement of my house with some prom dresses I had from my girls," said Jean Richardson, "Project Prom" Coordinator.

From just about a dozen dresses the first year, it's now grown to a few hundred.

"This year, so far we have over 300 to give away for the give away this year and donations are coming in all the time," Richardson said.

Volunteers from Cheyenne Light helped to transport the dresses from Richardson's home to her new space she's renting this year at 1813 Carey Avenue. After having a daughter go through prom, Jef McMann understands how much this helps out the parents.

"As a father who had to buy several prom dresses, I think this is actually a good idea and it feels good just to help out," McMann said.

"Project Prom" has become so popular, word has spread far outside Cheyenne.

"I get calls from Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, all over Wyoming. Casper, Rawlins, Rock Springs, of course Pine Bluffs and Torrington," Richardson said.

The reason she keeps doing this every year is because of the stories and thank you cards that she receives.

"I hear a lot that I would not have been able to go to prom had I not been able to receive a dress at 'Project Prom'," Richardson said.

The shop will be open every Friday from 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10-2 beginning this week till the end of April.

"Just come on in, show your high school ID, bring a guest, shop like you would in any other store and pick out your perfect dress and it's yours," Richardson said.

Jean Richardson says any girls who cannot make it during store hours can call her at 307-630-9250 to set up a time to come shop.

She says anybody who's willing to volunteer at the store can give a call at that number as well.