Prom Season is Here. How can a Girl Save Money? How About a Free Dress?

As a parent of six daughters, I'm somewhat of an expert on spending money when Prom, Homecoming, you know, the social "highlights" of one's High School life, comes around.  Boy, does the money fly away.

Did you see the latest figures that say the AVERAGE cost for Prom this year will be $1,100!  Are you kidding?

In all seriousness, kids today can't afford that kind of expense.  They have to lean on their parents and it's a real stretch for many.  In some cases it boils down to not being able to go, at all.

Not this year.  A new program at the Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA in Belmont has a prom dress program where young ladies can rent a formal dress at no cost.  In other words, FREE!

If someone doesn't have the funds or even if they have the funds but that is not where you want to spend their money, this is a great option. This isn't just for people who can't afford it but people who don't want to spend that money on a dress you wear once.

This year, with dress donations, there are over 100 dresses in a variety of styles and sizes.  A little something for everyone.  You'll find extra, extra small to size 22 and styles from strapless to full sleeve, velvet ones, summer and springy looking.  They're all current styles, too.

For an appointment to try on a dress, call the Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA at (616) 363-3000 or Toni Szczepanaski at (616) 855-1451.

They are also accepting donations for dresses, dress racks and dry cleaning. The YMCA is located at 6555 Jupiter Avenue in Belmont.