17 MAR 2015

Operation PROMises: Mission Accomplished!

Operation PROMises

Nearly 80 girls from high schools across Northern Solano County had a chance to shop for their perfect prom dress during Operation PROMises Sunday at the Secondhand Rose NorthBay Guild Thriftique in downtown Vacaville, and 69 of those walked out the doors with gowns in their arms and smiles on their faces.

They were also armed with makeup and hair-styling tips, lip gloss, nail polish, shoes, wraps and purses, according to Jane Hilliard, NorthBay Healthcare director of volunteer services.

NorthBay Healthcare teamed up with Soroptimist International of Vacaville for the second year in a row to host the one-day event, fueled by community donations.

“This year we had nearly four times as many girls as last year, which is amazing because a number of the schools only received their invitations last week,” said Jane. “We realize that this is something we need to keep doing, to serve these girls who otherwise might not be able to afford a trip to the prom.”

Grace Baxter, 16, of Armijo High School, was all smiles after she found her glittery pale green gown and wrap, and was the first girl of many to step up on stage for photos.

Each girl was invited to bring a special guest to help her make the selection, a parent, guardian or friend.

Two girls brought their fathers, who braved the estrogen-rich environment to be supportive of their daughter’s choices.

“What can I say?” smiled Yusef Kamakeeaina, who accompanied his daughter Taylor, a Fairfield High student. “She respects my taste in fashion.”

In the months leading up to the event, the community donated scores of dresses, shoes, wraps and jewelry, as well as money so some new dresses could be purchased, said Jane.

“We found an online warehouse that sold us dresses for $15 each, so we were able to stock up.”

In all, there were more than 300 gowns, grouped by size, for the girls to peruse.

The whole thrift shop was reorganized for the day, with the help of leadership students from Armijo High School, local Soroptimists and NorthBay Healthcare employees who volunteered their time.

With only six dressing rooms, girls had to wait patiently for their turn, with a line forming out the door.

Each girl was given 15 minutes in the dressing room to make her choice, and then had the opportunity to visit a seamstress, who made alterations on the spot. While they waited, girls were able to get makeup tips and hairstyling techniques, or select jewelry. Soroptimist President Joy Swank served as emcee for the day and called out winners of drawings for meals, hair appointments and more, donated by local businesses.

“Our organization is all about supporting women and girls, and this event is a perfect way to support that mission,” said Joy.

One mom of a Rodriguez High student told organizers that she was overjoyed with the event.

“I just can’t thank everyone enough for doing this,” she said. “Prom is not cheap, and there was no way we could have done it without this support. It’s a blessing.”

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