For many high school girls, spring brings with it the unavoidable task of finding that perfect prom dress. But with the help of some University of Wisconsin sorority members, the task can be a bit less stressful and costly.
The UW Panhellenic Association will host an alternative option for high school girls in the Madison area tomorrow at the Red Gym between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Panhellenic — the governing body for the 11 social sororities on campus — will host its annual philanthropy Dream Dress, where they will be giving away lightly used dresses, shoes, purses and other prom-night accessories.
"Finding the perfect prom dress is extremely important," said Tess Liebetrau, UW junior and 2007 Dream Dress event volunteer. "Many young women have a tight budget and don't have the opportunity to pick and choose the dress they want for prom — that's why this event is so important."
Guests will be treated to goodie bags and refreshments, and sorority women will be eager to help in the search for the perfect dress.
In years past, Dream Dress has taken place in the fall. However, after strong consideration, the Panhellenic Association unanimously voted to add a spring event, in hopes that the prom season would be fresh in everyone's mind.
"We're really excited about the switch to spring and the fact that we have so many dresses," said Sarah Anderson, president of the UW Panhellenic Association.
Approximately 90 of the more than 100 donated dresses came straight out of the sorority sisters' closets, according to Dream Dress event chair Becca MacAskill.
MacAskill said the event is beneficial because the average high school girl can end up shelling out anywhere from $300 to more than $1,000 for a dress and accompanying accessories.
Spring or fall, Dream Dress has proven to be a hit, with attendance rising each year over the past four years. All of the local high schools in the Madison area have been contacted about the event, Anderson said.
Besides all the free clothing, MacAskill said it is a great way for prospective students to meet college women and learn about college life.
"Dream Dress is a great way to introduce the UW experience to girls who may not have been previously considering college," MacAskill said.
With dozens of young women leaving with bags loaded for the ball, Liebetrau said they are not the only ones who something away from the event.
"In the end, the sororities end up benefiting from Dream Dress, as it is a fun way to get involved in the community and help Madison women," Liebetrau said.
