SANFORD, Fla. – A non-profit organization in Sanford spent Saturday afternoon getting results for families who can’t afford to buy their daughters prom dresses.
The C.A.M.P., which stands for “Can Accept My Imperfections,” hosted an event that turned the Seminole High School gym into a boutique for the day, inviting girls to find their perfect prom dress and accessories for the big night.
Sherod Mitchell, The C.A.M.P. founder, said 1,800 dresses in all shapes and sizes were donated for the organization’s first ever Prom Dress Give-A-Thon.
"They're going to pick out their dress. We have accessories such as tiaras, earrings, necklace sets,” Mitchell said. “We want to make sure they’re totally covered. Mom and dad just need to do the shoes."
Mitchell said The C.A.M.P.’s goal is to empower young girls and build up their self-esteem and self-worth.
"We wanted to fill that need, help out that parent who may be struggling financially, or boost self-esteem with the young lady to know, ‘I know I have a great dress,’" Mitchell said.
Tina Giramma attended Saturday’s event. She said that as a single parent, she’s thankful for the opportunity it provides.
Marie Hope is another parent who also attended Saturday’s event.
“So many girls nowadays get knocked down because of the way they look, or the way they act,” Hope said.
She said she thinks it's important that the girls have something to make them feel confident.
Mitchell said she feels the organization is making a difference in the community just by making sure young ladies are motivated and feel good about themselves.
Nearly 200 girls were able to try on their favorite styles before they picked their perfect dress.
The event lasted until 5 p.m. and also included games and entertainment, health speakers, a workshop on how to make a corsage and free gifts, according to a flier for the event. Attendees had to provide a current student I.D. to receive a dress ticket, and only one ticket was given to each attendee.
The C.A.M.P. told News 6 that it’s looking into making the dress giveaway an annual tradition.