I believe that I saw a post yesterday on the expense of a prom dress. And I know that I have spoken of the current high school generation as the self-centered. But this post relates a good story and one that shows that when kids are left to their own designs, some of them will make good choices. Well, our seventeen next week daughter and twelve of her friends all decided to forego the trips to Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, etc and go to resale shops and Goodwill. All of them are upper middle class economic status young girls and all the parents suggested spending no more than $200.00 for their dresses and shoes together originally. The girls are going to take the money that they save buying the used dresses and new shoes they can get on sale and donate that money to either Lou Gehrigs Association, MADD, or St. Judes. These girls all attend a public school in a nearby Chicago suburb, and met in K5. Sadly, they have been laughed at for their choice by some peers, but they know they are doing the right thing. They asked others to join them in this and a guidance counselor took down all of the posters encouraging this. Their dates have decided to work with a local hospital and charter a hospital transport van and the driver for $100.00 and donate what six limos would have cost to the hospital pediatric cancer unit. If sharing an opinion makes you appear angry, then the receiver of the opinion should look in the mirror!
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Suzzeee1334852994.812219 PostsRegistered 6/15/2007West Coast I love, love, love this idea! Prom has gotten insane...I live in a fairly affluent area and it's amazing what people will spend on a prom dress around here...not to mention all that goes with it. My daughter's senior prom dress was her big extravagance -- $400 and she went pretty budget for everything that went with it but for Junior Prom she totally went budget... $30 dress from TJ Maxx...friend did her hair and I think the whole outfit came in well under $100! depglass1334860525.819553 PostsRegistered 11/14/2006 You can be very, very proud. I live near a small town and every time I go in to shop, I see stretch limos. You know why they are out, getting spiffed up for the weekend's prom. I've even seen a stretch limo Hummer. Edit: Go to My Activity at the top of each page. You have to get into a category like Beauty or Fashion to do this. Your posts from hours and days ago will come up. Last edited on 4/19/2012 BonnieBelle1334860859.97714920 PostsRegistered 4/13/2007 I think it's great what they are doing, but there's no need to tell anyone. No one would ever know where they got their dress or how much they paid for it. depglass1334865594.42719553 PostsRegistered 11/14/2006 I think its fine if they tell people, it can be chic to do this without spending an arm and a leg. This is actually a hardship for some families. Nice idea if it works. If money is an issue, I can understand doing things like that. But senior prom is a once-in-a-lifetime event that girls look forward to for years. I wanted both my girls to have the total prom experience. The dream gown, the professional makeup, the stretch limo. The works. Yes, it was expensive and we did indeed have a budget. But we both work hard for a living and we work hard so that we can do things like that for our girls. What I don't understand is why op's daughter felt the need to tell her classmates about her plans. I imagine that many kids wouldn't "get it", so why explain something that really needs no explanation? FunkyHulaGirl1334868511.524034 PostsRegistered 6/25/2011Wherever I go, there I am. It's wonderful to hear that there are some good kids left who don't think the world revolves around them. You parents must be so proud!  Little people belittle people,
Great people make people feel great. On 4/19/2012 chrystaltree said: Nice idea if it works. If money is an issue, I can understand doing things like that. But senior prom is a once-in-a-lifetime event that girls look forward to for years. I wanted both my girls to have the total prom experience. The dream gown, the professional makeup, the stretch limo. The works. Yes, it was expensive and we did indeed have a budget. But we both work hard for a living and we work hard so that we can do things like that for our girls. What I don't understand is why op's daughter felt the need to tell her classmates about her plans. I imagine that many kids wouldn't "get it", so why explain something that really needs no explanation? It is HIGH SCHOOL. For a college event, things could be extravagant. This is HIGH SCHOOL> Education for most if not all should not end there. Sorry, but I see high school simply as a stepping stone, not the end. If sharing an opinion makes you appear angry, then the receiver of the opinion should look in the mirror! VCamp27481334868931.5434522 PostsRegistered 4/20/2006 That sounds pretty cool to me. Lots of good Karma for them for having such loving, giving spirits!! 
Kudos to these teenagers for thinking up clever ways to have a fun prom and do good at the same time! I applaud them! Vamp1334880151.758390 PostsRegistered 3/9/2007 Great story. I hope the kids aren't discouraged by their peers--not that I have anything against those kids who are more traditional (i.e., spend a ton of money on new clothes, limos, etc.) but why knock down someone who is trying to do something nice for others? You have every right to be proud of these kids. BTW, I don't buy the whole high school prom as a once-in-a-lifetime event. If you feel that way, I'm okay with it, but not everyone feels that way. I didn't go to my prom (my choice) and don't regret it one bit. My DD has no interest in going to hers either. Different strokes for different folks. Like I said, I would never deny someone for wanting to have the traditional "prom experience" but not everyone is a traditionalist. To me, it's the same thing as wasting a ton of money on an over-the-top wedding. It's fine if that's what's important to you, but to me that is so not what a wedding is about. JMHO. HB glamma1334966364.597684 PostsRegistered 8/23/2011Southern california This is a nice post and the parents of these young people should be proud. I think the emphasis in our culture over proms is way too much. People can survive without going to prom!! I did!! I've seen/heard stories of young people who are so stressed about getting dates for prom and feel so much loss if they don't go. many parents also act so silly over prom! Perkup1334966755.4773939 PostsRegistered 12/24/2008 How proud all of you must be for these young ladies and gentlemen (and they definitely are both!). They will look beautiful, because there will be beauty within that will shine through. What a wonderful memory they are making for themselves. Wish this could get more publicity than just this chat room! queendiva1334967586.522658 PostsRegistered 9/22/2006 You should send out a press release to your local media and/ or post video to YouTube on the night of the prom. I especially like the part about their "ride". Your DD and her friends are smart AND charitable. Well done. DS is a senior and will attend the prom. At his school, limos are few and far between. The prom site is within a 10 mile drive of the school. I have it easy, with 2 boys. Both own their tuxes and rented accessory items. He and his date are friends and classmates. They will have a great time, and neither family plans to break the bank. Mustang Shar1335032122.9575322 PostsRegistered 12/7/2006Chicago Burbs I think this is absolutely the coolest story yet! Good for them and you should get this story to our local Chicago news stations! WOW!!!!! Seriously, this is a wonderful story. With kids and parents spending $1K and more for PROM?? It's crazy, gosh unheard of when I was doing Prom, but heck, I'm OLD! LOL Congratulations to these young adults for doing such an important contribution.:) and thank you for posting it here to share with us. Sharon :)
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Enjoy Life....there are no do overs! GoodStuff1335033989.6311502 PostsRegistered 11/11/2008 I posted on that other thread and got chewed up (just a little) for speaking out against the prevalence of what I consider excessive spending for teenage prom events. I LOVE your story! I'm so impressed that your girls are shopping bargain stores for dresses and plan to charter a van instead of spending for a limo -- and donate their savings to charity. Anybody who thinks these girls are going to miss a "once in a lifetime memory" because of their gutsy choices really doesn't have a clue. They're doing something fun, creative, generous, different, and worthwhile with friends they love -- to benefit others! And I'm sure they'll look (and be) absolutely beautiful in their prom outfits. I ask you: What could possibly make better memories? I imagine they told their friends because they're excited about what they're doing, having a great time, and wanted to give others a chance to follow suit if they wished. So the other kids are wearing $600 dresses, carrying a week's salary worth of flowers, charging an expensive midnight breakfast on Daddy's VISA card, and taking photos in front of a stretch limo........well that's OK if it's what you want, but I'm betting on a much greater "joy factor" for the kids wearing Goodwill dresses and riding in the hospital van! Kudos, to you, Mom, and to the other parents involved! You're raising some fine, creative, independent-thinking young women of character there. I hope your story inspires others. Last edited on 4/21/2012 icezeus1335047384.073059 PostsRegistered 10/30/2010Southern California This just reminds me of all of the money my brother and sister-in-law spent on my niece last year for her prom. I just remember at one point, my brother asking why does she have to have a prom dress and after prom dress to wear to the party? SIL was all for the "once in a lifetime experience" she needs everything, my brother thought it was ridiculous to spend all of the money, but just went along with the program. I think that is totally awesome! What a nice group of young ladies! It has gotten out of hand and it's because of parents. I went to the prom a million years ago, had a terrific time. I had a 150.00 gown, did my own hair and nails (imagine that parents), and my bf (husband now) drove his mom's waxed up car. Limos? Makeup? Come on, it's not a wedding for petes sake. I find the entire prom scene now is based on mom's trying to outdo the others. If you give a young girl all this to do to a dance, what is left for her to dream about? Her wedding? Hmm she's already had all of that almost. Parents need to use their heads and stop creating spoiled brats!!!! If your daughters are that beautiful, a cheaper gown will make her look just as nice. Oh, wait then you wouldn't be able to "out do the Joneses". I dont have daughters but if I did she would have experienced all of this on a lower budget and looked beautiful just the same. Also known as Maxs-Grandma!
Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color
denise1231335048719.82348 PostsRegistered 4/2/2011 What a wonderful story. I agree with the other posters, you should send this story to the newspapers. Maybe more people will learns from their efforts. Bless those sweeties and they are far better people than the arrogant, dispassionate classmates degrading them. And, they will definitely find much more classy and classic dresses.;) NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED.
"When you know better, you do better." ~ Maya Angelou
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