Once Upon A Prom
About Our
Organization
Here at Once Upon A Prom our number one priority is inclusivity. For many, if not most of the students who walk through our giveaways doors, prom is only a dream. Financial hardship and personal, complicated lives make this rite of passage one that many--if not most-- of these teens will most likely miss. According to recent statistics, teens spend an average of $600-$800 on proms. The cost makes prom prohibitive for some teens. We want to ensure that their dream of attending prom comes true for all students. We give away new and very gently used prom dresses free of charge to any student who walks through our doors--no questions asked.
$5,000
Raised Through
Our Campaigns
5,000
People Served
by Once Upon a Prom
11
Events
Since 2010
200
Cumulative Volunteers
Date TBD for April + May 2025
Donate Dresses
We accept prom dresses, accessories, gift cards, and monetary donations. Please fill out the contact form or email us (bethesdaonceuponaprom@gmail.com) if you are interested in donating dresses or accessories. We accept dresses from Maryland to all the way to California.
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In addition, we have a donation bin open in front of the main office at Bethesda- Chevy Chase High
(4301 East- West Hwy, Bethesda 20814)
open from 7:30 to 2:30 Monday through Friday.
Volunteer
We are setting up donation bins at local public schools. Please reach out to your PTA president for details specifically related to your school. All donation boxes will be located outside the main office of each school.
We are looking to recruit ambassadors at other schools to help us collect dresses and expand outreach for our next event. We are looking to build OUAP into a countywide team of students to make next year's prom giveaway the most successful yet. In the fall, interested students will need to campaign for donations, meaning that you must advertise your club and send out emails/flyers asking for dresses, suits, jewelry, and/or shoes that are new or gently used. You must also gather a team of students willing to work with you, as this is not a one-person job. We will have monthly meetings online with all groups of students at different schools, checking in on your progress and making sure everything is going well.