FINDLAY – The 6th Annual "Don’t Stress over the Dress" event will be held Friday through
Sunday, March 7-9 in the Findlay Village Mall on Tiffin Avenue.
The event is being held to aid girls who may not otherwise be able to attend their prom.
Co-sponsoring "Don’t Stress…" are the Shelly Company, Chopin Hall of Findlay, and the Findlay
Village Mall.
In 2013, a total of 298 girls came from 55 different schools in Ohio and organizers were able to give
away 173 dresses along with accessories and other prom items free of charge.
This year there will be over 500 next-to-new, current gowns available at no charge. Gowns are available
in all sizes and styles, and some still have the tags on them.
The day of the event there will be drawings for free prizes.
All area girls attending a high school prom who are in need of a prom dress may participate.
The rules are: Each girl is allowed to receive one dress. Each girl may bring with her one female guest –
friend or mother – to help her shop. Males will be asked to remain in the waiting area. An adult cannot
shop for a girl unless that girl is present.
Hours for Don’t Stress over the Dress are March 7 from 3 to 9 p.m., March 8 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and
March 9 from 1-4 p.m.
Separately, area residents are invited to take part in a donation drive of dresses and other items for
the March 7-9 event.
The donation wish list is short or long formal gowns in new to gently used condition, and in all sizes
and colors. It is preferred that gowns are no older than five years, and dry cleaned.
The program also accepts purses, shoes, wraps, shawls, fancy and costume jewelry, as well as unopened
hosiery, makeup, perfume and hair products.
Other donation alternatives include hair and cosmetology services, tanning packages, pedicures, manicures
and garment bags.
The deadline for all donations to be received is March 3.
There are several northwest Ohio donation locations including a Maumee site at 1360 Ford St., contact Kim
Stevens at 419-891-3000; or
Findlay location: 1700 Fostoria Ave., Suite 200, Findlay; contact Denise Foley at 419-429-3445.
Dress and accessory donations are tax deductible.
Area young adults are being encouraged to a play a part in their community and help others who may not be
as fortunate as they are.