Neighbor News
Houghtaling and Downey Launch Prom Project to Provide Dresses to Local Students at No Cost
Assembly Members Houghtaling and Downey hope to ensure that young ladies who could not otherwise afford a dress have a memorable prom
OCEAN TWP – Monmouth County’s newest Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey have launched a program to provide prom dresses to local high school students at no cost. The “Princess Prom Project” will strive to ensure that young ladies who would otherwise not be able to afford a prom dress can have a memorable and magical prom night, regardless of their financial situation.
“Our goal is to help as many girls as possible look and feel their best,” said Assemblywoman Downey (D-Monmouth), “I have two young daughters myself, and I would want the same for them on their prom night. Every girl deserves that special evening.”
“As members of the General Assembly, a big part of our job is legislation. But taking care of our community is just as important,” said Assemblyman Houghtaling (D-Monmouth), “We have over one hundred dresses in our office right now, and we hope they each find a new home.”
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Young ladies who are in need of a prom dress can choose a free gown from a large selection during a “Shopping Party” at the 11th District Legislative Office in Ocean Township. There will be six Shopping Party dates spread throughout April, May, and June, but appointments can also be made by calling the office at (732) 695-3371. Busy schedules can be accommodated.
Families who would like to support the Princess Prom Project can do so by donating gently-used formal or cocktail dresses to add to the current collection of dresses. Dresses of any size in good condition that have been previously cleaned will be accepted. Accessories, purses, and jewelry to help complete the perfect prom ensemble will also be accepted.
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“So many generous families have donated old gowns they found hanging in their closets, never to be worn again” said Houghtaling, “And more donations are always welcome. We want to keep this program going, and knowing how caring and dedicated the Eleventh District community is, I don’t think that will be a problem.”
“A gown for prom can be a couple hundred dollars or more, which can be too much for families on a tight budget,” added Downey, “We want to give the girls in our district a wonderful prom night, without them or their families having to worry about the cost.”
Gently worn formal or cocktail dresses can be donated to the 11th District Legislative Office located at 802 West Park Avenue, Suite 221, Ocean Township, NJ 07712. Shopping Parties will be held from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, April 28, 2016; Thursday May 5, 2016; Tuesday May 17, 2016; Thursday May 26, 2016; Tuesday May 31, 2016; and Tuesday June 7, 2016. Appointments can also be made by calling the office at (732) 695-3371 or sending an email to AsmHoughtaling@njleg.org or AswDowney@njgleg.org.
The Princess Prom Project is open to high school girls who live in the 11th District, which consists of Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Colts Neck, Deal, Eatontown, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Long Branch, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Shrewsbury Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Tinton Falls, and West Long Branch.
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