It’s nearly prom season, and that means dresses, tuxedoes, corsages and maybe even a limo ride. But getting ready for the big night isn’t exactly cheap. That’s where one so-called fairy godmother is stepping in.
For Linda Sabb Crews, prom night lasts for months. Crews co-founded “Fairy Godmothers of Southwest Florida,” a sister-chapter of a nonprofit organization that provides prom dresses to high school juniors and seniors.
The group gives out dresses to teenagers who have financial problems and otherwise wouldn’t be able to buy a gown and go to their prom.
"We have lots of new dresses and some that are gently used that are donated by local high school girls who’ve already attended prom. I collect those dresses and then, once a year, I have a big prom fair,” Crews said.
Prom season starts in January and runs through May for Crews. But she says the search for the perfect dress lasts all year long.
“I contact bridal stores, Craigslist, the high schools,” Crews said. “I get the counselors, and because of you guys in the news, a lot of donations come from (people) hearing about us. We get a lot of donations that way.”
There are also makeup, accessories and shoes available for teenagers to pick from.
Crews has been a fairy godmother for three years and she says she’s not stopping anytime soon.
“When their eyes light up and it’s the perfect dress and they do that spin in their dresses, that’s all I need. That’s all I need,” Crews said.
It costs $10 for students to take advantage of the help.