Donate Prom Dresses To Girls Who Need Them

For many girls, the prom is the premiere event of their high school career. But there are some who have to pass up the opportunity to make those special memories because they simply can’t afford a dress.

That should not be the case here in El Paso.

The 2011 season of Belle of the Ball is underway. The organization was started in 2004 by a pair of Franklin High School students. The idea is to get girls to donate their prom dresses from the year before so other girls whose families don’t have the extra money to pay for a dress can still attend.

“I think it’s good for any girl to look her best,” said Iris Reilly, a senior at Montwood High School. “She doesn’t want everyone to know that she can’t necessarily afford the greatest gown out there. It’s a great opportunity,” she added.

Iris was one of several students dropping off her gently-used gown at Ella Blu. The boutique is one of the major sponsors of this year’s Belle of the Ball.

“I’ve contacted all the Student Activities Directors in the high schools, and the At-Risk Coordinators, they’re getting back to me about approximately how many girls will need (the dresses),” said Cristina Auza, the manager at Ella Blu.

The west El Paso shop is offering 10 percent off a new gown already in stock to girls who bring in a dress to donate. Donations are being accepted from now until the end of March. Dresses for those who need one will be available from March 5 until the end of April.

Call Ella Blu at 881-9999 for more information or visit the shop at 5410 N. Mesa St.