Community Outreach Prom Drive

Attending your high school prom is a big deal to most teenagers—especially teenage girls. I remember all the planning and excitement that went into prom weeks before the actual event. Prom was a special night where you could get all dressed up, see all your classmates outside of school, hang out with your friends and/or significant other, and essentially, feel like a “grown up” for the night. I remember dragging my mom (well, maybe not dragging- she loves to shop just as much as me) into several stores trying to find the “perfect dress,” looking at pictures of my favorite celebrities to decide how I wanted my hair to look for the night, and making sure my boyfriend and I coordinated our outfits. Overall, some of my favorite memories of high school included different Proms I attended.

Fortunately for me, my parents were in a position where they could afford all things prom related. However, many parents are not in that position. I always figured prom wasn’t cheap but I didn’t realize just how expensive it is! The average cost of a prom dress or tux rental for families these days is $500. Not to mention, that doesn’t include shoes, accessories, getting one’s hair and nails done, or dinner! With all that being said, the average household spends $978 to dance the night away!

It is fortunate to work for a company that values giving back to the community. The Community Outreach Committee at Royal United Mortgage LLC planned a fun and meaningful way to give back to local teenagers. The team held a “prom” drive to collect and donate formal wear.  Women’s dresses and men’s dress clothes were donated and Royal United Mortgage LLC partnered with the organization “The Gifted Gown” which holds an annual Free Prom Shop every year in the Indy community. High school students attending prom get a unique boutique-like experience where they can choose a gown or suit, a pair of shoes, an accessory item, and receive dry cleaning for their new outfit all FREE OF CHARGE.

“The Gifted Gown” strongly believes that everyone should feel special and be able to participate in an event, such as prom, without having to wonder where they are going to get the money to do so! The Community Outreach Committee is very proud to say that with all of Royal United Mortgage LLC employees’ help, we were able to collect 29 dresses and a combination of 10 men’s suits, dress shirts, and dress pants to donate to high school students.

Written by: Amanda Allen, Onboarding Specialist at Royal United Mortgage LLC
Published: 3/15/2016