'Dreams Delivered' Prom Boutique For ETHS Students Returns

EVANSTON, IL — The Dreams Delivered prom boutique for local high school students is due to return next week for the first time since 2019.

Formal dresses, shoes and jewelry are provided for free to all Evanston Township High School students with appointments for the event, which is scheduled to take place April 10, 11 and 12 at the Women's Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Ave.

More than 800 students have picked out promwear from the pop-up boutiques since the program began in 2007, according to Women's Club representatives. The program provides a boost to confidence and self esteem while saving teens from the stress of worrying about the cost of new clothes for prom.

“At the Woman’s Club of Evanston, we believe that every student in Evanston, regardless of their means, should be able to attend their senior prom. In that spirit, we created Dreams Delivered,” event chair Beverly Heimann said in a statement. “Each spring our historic clubhouse is transformed into a very special prom boutique. New and nearly new formal dresses, shoes, and jewelry are provided free of charge to any Evanston Township High School student.”

In 2010, the Women's Club partnered with the Ivy Pearl Foundation — the philanthropic arm of the Evanston-based Delta Chi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority — which offers support with publicity, collecting and purchasing items and volunteering to staff the boutique.

"Our goal is to make each young woman feel special and to help her shine confidently on prom night," Delta Chi Omega Chapter President Stella Hickman said in a statement. "The mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is to uplift girls and women as they strive for greater personal and career development. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve students for such a special occasion."

More than 50 volunteers from the club and chapter are set to help the students as they pick out dresses, shoes and jewelry in appointments that last about two hours.

According to the women's club, volunteer seamstresses will be on site for free minor alterations and students from the Tricoci University of Beauty and Culture will offer mini-makeovers.

Dreams Delivered accepts donations. Dresses should be new or nearly new — three years old or less — or have a timeless design.

ETHS students wishing to shop at the boutique must have an appointment. As of Tuesday, appointment slots were still available on April 11 and April 12.