Anton’s ‘Belle of the Ball’ prom dress drive

Anton’s Cleaners has launched its annual “Belle of the Ball” prom dress drive with the continued mission to collect, clean and distribute prom gowns to area high school junior and senior girls who could not otherwise afford to attend their prom.

Belle of the Ball participants with Eliot Tatelman, president/CEO of Jordan’s Furniture, and Arthur Anton Jr., COO of Anton’s Cleaners

Every spring, high school girls are bombarded with media messages about designer dresses, shoes, jewelry, and hair and makeup tips, and yearn to participate in one of the biggest — and most expensive — events in a young adult’s life. This year, for the 12th time, the “Belle of the Ball” drive is back to help those who may choose not to attend this major life event due to financial constraints.

The public is invited to help by donating good quality, gently worn or new prom dresses and like-new special occasion purses. These items can be dropped off now through March 26 at any of Anton’s 42 locations or Jordan’s Furniture stores, including Anton’s locations at 605 and 20 Washington Street in Canton. Monetary and in-kind donations are also welcome to cover jewelry, makeup, and other accessories and prom-related services.

All dresses are cleaned for free by Anton’s as a community service through its charitable arm, Caring Partners, Inc.
Unlike other prom gown drives, this program culminates in a day-long “boutique” where deserving girls are invited for a day of personal shopping and pampering. Last year, nearly 500 girls participated in Boutique Day at Simmons College, with thousands of dresses displayed in a variety of colors, styles and sizes — all free of charge.

Since attendance to Boutique Day is by “invitation only,” students must be pre-qualified by guidance counselors, teachers and social service agency personnel.

“Prom is one of the most memorable days in a young woman’s life, and as long as this program has been running, we ensure that no high school girl misses her prom for financial reasons,” said Arthur Anton Jr., COO of Anton’s Cleaners. “Belle of the Ball was established a dozen years ago to let girls feel like a princess on the night of the ball and be beautiful, inside and out, thanks to our team of volunteers and supporters.”

More than a dress collection drive, Belle of the Ball is a powerful personal experience for each young woman invited to attend. The referred participants often come from difficult backgrounds, both financially and emotionally. Over the years, participants have reflected that it was a wonderful experience not because of how they looked in their dress, but because of the positive change in the way they felt about themselves.

Similar to Anton’s successful Coats for Kids drive, the collection effort is coordinated with high schools, colleges, and corporate and community partners. Companies, organizations and schools interested in holding a prom dress collection drive, making an in-kind donation, or individuals looking to volunteer at the boutique can obtain more information at antons.com/belle.

Belle of the Ball is the proud winner of the 2010 Purple Dress Award from donatemydress.org. For more information about Belle of the Ball or to refer a student, visit antons.com/belle.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Feb 19 2016. Filed under Business. Both comments and pings are currently closed.