As close to a prom free-for-all as possible

Many high school students dream of going to prom.

But the rising costs for this rite of passage can be more of a nightmare.

"Many students have to save for months for this one event," Dundee-Crown High School counselor and Beta Club co-director Ann DiCosola said. "They can afford the tickets, but then what?"

To help, the Beta Club and school will hold a discount prom store from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the school. More than 250 new and gently-used dresses, in both formal and semiformal styles, will be available for $20 or less.

Tuxedos and a variety of accessories, including shoes, purses and jewelry, maxing out at $5 each, also will be on sale. The event is open to students from Dundee-Crown and other high schools.

Senior Kelly Lewis started this fundraiser, called "Kelly's Kollection," last year.

"I had all these old dresses from dances and weddings and didn't want to just throw them away," she said.

Lewis wanted her old garments to be reused by someone who could really use them. With guidance from Beta Club director Judy Gard, the event was born.

"It just grabs your heart to see someone find the right dress," Lewis said. "You can see it in her eyes what a difference you've made."

Student and faculty volunteers in the Beta Club, a service organization, worked together to bring in donations from the community. Though a majority of the contributions were made anonymously, some local businesses, including Your Best Friend's Closet in Algonquin, gave suitable merchandise.

Another large contributor was Big Brothers Big Sisters, which held a similar event last weekend at McHenry County College. Items not sold were given to this cause.

"We have a great variety available, even shorter dresses that could be used for other occasions," senior April Venzon said.

All proceeds will go directly back into the community. The Beta Club will give to local food pantries and homeless shelters.

"We get to see the direct effects of our effort," said senior Caitlin Hubbs. "Not only are we helping out our school, but also any student who is in need."

Club director DiCosola agreed.

"Every student should have the opportunity to go to prom," she said. "We're doing all we can to make the road easier."

Donations are still being accepted. In addition to garments and accessories, local businesses willing to donate services such as hair styling, makeup and floral arrangements would be appreciated.

Items can be dropped off at Dundee-Crown or members of the Beta Club will pick them up. Questions? Call Ann DiCosola or Judy Gard at (847) 426-1421.