High school proms create lasting memories for young people, but they also can create a financial burden. The Shelly Co.’s Northwest Division takes away some of that “sticker shock” through its annual Don’t Stress Over the Dress event, which provides donated special-occasion dresses to girls planning to attend school proms.
The sixth annual event, held March 7-9 at the Findlay Village Mall, was attended by more than 300 girls from 65 schools in Ohio. It was presented by the Shelly Northwest Division’s Community Action Committee in partnership with Chopin Hall and the mall.
“I have attended the ‘Don’t Stress Over the Dress’ event and was impressed by not only the turnout but also the impact the event has on the young ladies in need,” said Lyle Snyder, general manager and vice president of The Shelly Co. Northwest Division. “The event has grown over the years, and the local mall consistently asks the group to extend their offerings to multiple weekends due to the positive response from the community.
“I want to thank all the volunteers for their hard work throughout the year preparing for and running this event.”
More than 630 gowns — as well as a variety of shoes, jewelry and makeup — were donated for the free event. More than 40 local businesses also donated gift certificates for hair and nail services, flowers, tuxedo rentals and restaurants that were used for door prizes.
“We were very happy to give away 178 dresses this year,” said Chris Edwards, a Shelly Northwest Division employee and member of the Community Action Committee. “There are already enough financial burdens on families nowadays, and prom shouldn’t be one of them.”
The Shelly Company Northwest Division Community Action Committee members: Christie Saltzman, Denise Foley, Kim Dennis, Dawn Murray, Chris Edwards, Joyce Thomas, Shara Asmus, Stacey Walton, Naomi Finn, Robin Kraner, Julie Fuller, Shelly VanAtta, Lori Burket and Marti Price, Chopin Hall.
Anyone interested in donating should contact the Shelly Northwest Division office at (419) 422-8854.
