Lake Zurich store owner donates 50 dresses for prom season

Finding the perfect dress just got a little easier for 50 Chicago girls eagerly planning their prom nights, thanks to one Lake Zurich business owner.

Deanna Dean, owner of Volle’s Bridal & Boutique at 53 S. Old Rand Road, recently donated 50 dresses to the Enhance Educational Foundation, which will provide them to high-achieving Chicago Public Schools seniors as they look forward to prom season.

Volle’s has operated in Lake Zurich for more than 40 years, and Dean said she was happy to help the cause.

“Every girl should have the opportunity to find the gown that makes her feel beautiful for one of the most memorable experiences of her high school years,” Dean said in a statement.

About 50 girls will receive dresses at a Prom Prep Party this Saturday at the foundation’s offices at Water Tower Place in downtown Chicago. The recipients have maintained a 3.0 grade-point average throughout high school to be eligible. The girls will also be provided with shoes and other accessories.

Enhance Educational Foundation was founded in 2006 as a nonprofit offering scholarships, mentoring and internship opportunities for Chicago students.

Amy Larsen, education director of the foundation, said this is the first prom event managed by Enhance, and they have received almost 250 dresses from 10 donors. The extras will be kept in stock for future foundation events.

“We’re proud to reward these students who have worked so hard,” Larsen said. “Some of the girls otherwise might not have been able to afford the dress they wanted, and we think it’s important to give them the prom experience they deserve.”