With finances tight for many families, a prom dress can prove a difficult purchase even in light of the event’s great significance in the life of a high school senior. But thanks to a local group looking to make things better for their community, more students will be able to make those lasting memories count this year.
This Sunday, the Vicious Ryderz Motorcycle Club will host a prom dress giveaway from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 15661 River Road in Hahnville, the result of an annual prom dress donation drive held by the Ryderz.
The group organized the drive with a focus on gathering donations of lightly worn prom attire and bridesmaids’ dresses to give to students in need of an assist. In addition, there will also be tuxedos and suits available for pickup.
The idea behind the drive is simple: that every girl deserves a dream prom.
“The 30th is the next date to pick up and try on dresses, and if they like it, they can take it home with them,” said club founder Amanda Hill. “We have a few females in our club, like myself, who have daughters. With prom and homecoming – the cost of dresses is expensive. I don’t think any child should miss prom because she doesn’t have a dress.”
Once the dresses are collected, the group has the dresses cleaned. From there, if a high school student needs a dress and there are dresses available, they will be able to pick one out at the Ryderz Hahnville clubhouse. It is open to students of any high school.
“We don’t have the most extravagant dresses, but they’re up to date – they’re not old dresses,” said Hill. “And we have sizes small to large, plus-sized – all shapes and sizes. We try to get them to do a little runway walk.”
The drive is in its second year after the club debuted it last year. Hill said the turnout of donations has been very strong in year two. The club has had giveaway dates throughout the past few weeks and the demand has been strong enough for the club to continue extending the drive.
“Quite a few girls showed up and so we keep extending it,” said Hill.
The drive is one of several ways the Ryderz give back to their community – the majority of club members live in St. Charles Parish. In July, the group is partnering with Free Riders Motorcycle Club for a charity ride to benefit Children’s Hospital and the fight against pediatric cancer.
For more information, one may call (504) 717-3039.
