C7

Erin Dwyer
For the Telegraph-Journal

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HAMPTON - Whether a chiffon strapless dress or a long satin silky halter, the perfect prom dress is the preoccupation of many high school girls.

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Cindy Wilson/Telegraph-Journal

Anne Chamberlain is part of a group operating the Prom Dress project, where prom dresses are made available to girls who might not be able to afford a new one.

But with the downturn in the economy and the high cost of fashion, buying the dress of their dreams could be difficult.

Girls in Hampton and the surrounding area, however, only have to look so far as the Xi Psi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, which is providing girls with free prom gowns and an opportunity to feel like a princess on one of the biggest nights of their young lives.

"For some of them, it means they are able to go to the prom," said Cindy Williams, a member of the sorority.

Williams said girls have many reasons for wearing a free, gently used prom dress. Some just don't have the money to buy a new gown. Others simply don't like the styles they are finding in stores.

"Some prom dresses cost $500 to $600," she said. "That's a lot of money."

This is the fourth year for the project, which was started by Lori Burnside, a former Hampton resident, who saw a similar project profiled on an American TV show. She thought the service could be offered in Hampton to provide gently used dresses to needy girls.

Before she moved away last year, the project had extended its reach to girls all over school District 6, stretching from the Kennebecasis Valley to Sussex. Not wanting to see the project die after her move, she sought a group that would take it over.

Enter Beta Sigma Phi.

"We try to be part of the community and do things that are worthwhile," Williams said. "We thought it was a good project."

Again this year, some 20 dresses from the Prom Press Project will be featured during Hampton High School's Déjà Vu Fashion Show on Monday. A project of the 2009 grad class, the show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $8.

For those who have a prom dress to donate, five drop off spots have been established: Hair in the Big Blue House at 31 Centennial Rd. in Hampton (832-2583); Sears Order Office at 370 Main St. in Hampton; The Red Whale Café at 53 Clark Rd. in Rothesay; Forever Healthy at 654 Main St. in Sussex (433-6966) and Simone's Beauty Shoppe at 1761 Keirsteadville Rd in Springfield (485-1186).

Girls wanting to view the gowns can book an appointment by calling Cindy Williams at 832-5006 or check with their high school guidance counsellors.