Project: PROM nets 50 dresses, 20 men’s outfits

  The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence concluded its efforts to provide prom dresses and suits for its latest initiative, Project: PROM, with the support of local businesses and community members,

The coalition held a “very successful” clothing drive at the Minatchom Atdao last Saturday as staff and volunteers collected some 50 dresses and about 20 men’s shirts, slacks, and tuxedoes, aside from a number of ties, footwear, handbags, and a wide array of accessories.

The group is scheduled to finalize today the total number of donations they received throughout the collection period for the project which aims to provide donated prom or special occasion dresses and suits to high school students to make prom night affordable for them.

With the success of the project, however, recipients of the donated items will no longer be restricted to only high school juniors and seniors who want to become advocates against domestic and sexual violence, according to coalition program assistant Keala Peters.

Peters said in an interview Saturday that the coalition has been receiving keen interest from younger high school students who also want to stand up and put an end to violence in the community.

“We are very pleased with our collections and we want to thank community members for taking their time to stop by our drop-off locations even during working hours just to make their prom donations new or used,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Peters noted that Tinian and Rota students are also welcome to contact their office if they want to be among the beneficiaries of the donations. “We’re willing to see what we can do for them.”

She encouraged high school students interested to receive prom dresses and suits to get a form from their respective school counselor, where they will describe how they will become supporters of a movement that does not tolerate violence.

Peters emphasized that the coalition, through the project, is not just giving away donated dresses and suits but also the “whole package” which includes corsages, hair and makeup, tailoring and dry cleaning services.

Coalition program coordinator Angel Nimwes, for her part, said the overwhelming support and response they received for Project: PROM is a good indicator that they are able to relate to the community one important message.

“We do want to reiterate that we want to empower our youth to become advocates against domestic and sexual violence. Our main goal is to empower young folks to come out and speak out against violence,” said Nimwes.

The coalition acknowledged the donations of local companies, namely Pena House, Handbags, etc., and J. Anthony Clothiers.

For more information about Project: PROM, call 234-3878 or email kealapeters670@gmail.com.