From Project Runway to Project Prom

March 29th was the kick-off event for the long standing event that lots of teen girls wait for...PROJECT PROM! This organization started in 2003 and has been going steady ever since! The Events & Donations Manager for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Ondrea L. Burton is as sweet as they come and very helpful to these young ladies and their parents alike! In this tough economy parents are ever grateful to not have to worry about having to skip a bill or better yet, their senior girls having to skip this once in a lifetime unforgettable moment...their high school prom!


The girls are treated to their pick of over 300 beautiful donated gowns some slightly worn and
and some new in a rainbow of colors and even some timeless neutrals guided by volunteer image consultants and stylists including myself... and I bet the girls didn't expect this but a huge national celebrity model and Founder/Executive Director of Pittsburgh Fashion Week and iModel Systems came out to volunteer and help the girls too! Miyoshi Anderson is such a wonderfully spirited person and the event touched her so much it brought her to tears! I titled this blog post "From Project Runway to Project Prom" because Miyoshi recently announced to the city of Pittsburgh that the show Project Runway was interested in Pittsburgh Designers for their show...who knows, maybe a network will pick up Project Prom too!?!
As event coordinator Ondrea says "This project is touching lives and going places that I never imagined!"

Some of the girls were also treated to complimentary hair styles by volunteer stylists and facial and make-up tips by

Mary Kay Consultants.
Along with the dresses the young ladies were able to pick a handbag, wrap or sache, jewelry and shoes! What more can a girl ask for? All the gowns were so elegant and fit for a Queen...Prom Queen that is!!! Exquisite detailing and an array of bright Spring colors...makes you want to go to the Prom huh?


I know some girls went home very happy and will be Pretty as a Princess for Prom night! Don't be green with envy ladies, there is still a chance for you to get a Prom gown on Friday, April 22nd at 10:00 a.m. – noon at Century III Mall above the Food Court. So if you are live in Allegheny County and have a caretaker receiving unemployment benefits, receive or be eligible to receive free school lunch; or receive or have a member of your family currently receiving services through DHS race over to Project Prom for this great experience and opportunity.

If you'd like to get involved or donate you can contact Ondrea at 412.350.3683.


Afterwards they will be taking 100 gowns to Children’s Hospital to outfit patients for a Prom they are hosting. It will certainly be a GOOD FRIDAY!