Exclusive | Teens flock to NYCs biggest ever prom dress shopping event where they get to pick out dresses and tuxes for free
It’s a prom dream come true.The distraction of 1,000 NYC high school students chatting, giggling and simultaneously shopping for the perfect prom look didn’t deter a determined Tiffany Lee from finding the perfect dress for her big night.Battling through the crowds at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Sunday, the 17-year-old went straight for an expensive-looking, glamorous black sequin feathered corset dress, securing it before anyone else could nab it.And rather than be handed an eye-watering bill for the outfit, Lee — like the hundreds of other students alongside her — was given it for free.The prom dress and tuxedo giveaway was organized by Brooklyn Prom Project, a nonprofit organization determined to make prom night a memorable one for high school students in need by offering free prom dresses, tuxedos, suits, shoes, and accessories.“I walked in and saw the feather dress and knew I was gonna get this one,” Lee told The Post.When she stepped out of the dressing room looking like a movie star, the hallway erupted into cheers.“This is my senior year, so I’m going all out for my prom,” the teen said, beaming with joy.
“I feel great, ’cause now I know when I graduate, I’m gonna look great.” Working with donations from the community and various sponsors, the annual event, part of the Operation Prom National Network, is held all over the country for disadvantaged students.For 14 consecutive years, the Brooklyn Prom Project has been opening its doors to students at different Brooklyn venues, but this is the first year the event was being held at the Barclays Center — and it became the city’s biggest ever prom giveaway to date.Throughout the day, the director of the Brooklyn Prom Project, Dawn Simon and over 350 volunteers helped students look through the clothes on the racks and accessories like shoes, purses, silk scarves, jewelry, tiaras, gloves, and even make-up on tables.Aside from everything being free of charge, the event organize...