Gowns For Prom, sponsored by Colvin Cleaners and presented by Allstate, is
seeking donations of new or gently used formal gowns, shoes and accessories of
any size. These items are cleaned by Colvin Cleaners and provided free of charge
to young ladies in high schools throughout WNY who are unable to afford a prom
gown.
The collection of gowns runs through March 31 at many drop-off locations.
Customers who use Colvin Cleaners FREE Pick Up & Delivery Service can have
their donations picked up at their home or office. People can also donate at several
local Allstate agencies, Delta Sonic Car Wash convenience stores, Reeds Jenss
stores, the ticket office at Shea's Performing Arts Center and Colvin Cleaners. For
donation addresses visit: https://www.gownsforprom.com/donate-gowns.
The donated gowns are sorted by size and transported to Shea’s Performing Arts
Center for selection on April 4, 5 and 6 from 3-8:00 p.m. Colvin Cleaners will
have thousands of donated gowns so new gowns will be on stage each day.
The high school students select a gown and then go upstairs to the dressing rooms
of the stars where they are fitted by professional seamstresses. The gown is then
altered, dry cleaned, packaged and delivered for free to the young ladies’ school in
time for the prom.
“I have been on the stage at Shea’s for the distribution of these gowns and the look
on the faces of these young ladies is precious. They are so appreciative of the
generosity of everyone. This event truly shows why Buffalo is the City of Good
Neighbors,” said a volunteer.
Paul Billoni, Owner and President of the 86 years young family owned Colvin
Cleaners, adds, “Our family taught us at young age the importance of giving back
to help others in our community. Regardless of the economic climate of our
business, we make sure we are doing something to assist those in need. We are so
grateful for everyone who has donated gowns over the years because the smiles on
the faces of thousands of high school students, who otherwise could not have
afforded a prom gown, is priceless.”
Volunteers, aged 18 and over, unless accompanied by a parent, are needed at
Shea’s in the distribution and restocking of gowns and monitoring the dressing
rooms. Seamstresses and tailors to assist at Shea’s with alterations of the gowns,
are also needed. For more information, or if you know of a young lady in need of a
prom gown, visit www.colvincleaners.com and click Gowns for Prom. Gowns for
Prom is a 501c3 under the Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo and WNY, Inc.
“Having the opportunity for 25 local Western New York Allstate agents to come
together with Colvin Cleaners and help members of our community in such a
meaningful way has been a great experience,” said Kayla Taylor, Allstate New
York spokesperson. “As small business owners, Allstate agents are extremely
passionate about making sure the people in their communities are well taken care
of through all of life’s challenges. We’re thrilled to be a part of this year’s Gowns
for Prom and look forward to helping make this a special and memorable prom for
local teens and their families.”
Allstate, the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting
approximately 16 million households, is the Presenting Sponsor. Supporting
Sponsors are Delta Sonic Car Wash and Reeds Jenss. Business Friend Sponsors
are: Colvin Draperies, Casullo’s Automotive, EMS Group, HUNT Real Estate
ERA, M&T Bank, Safelite AutoGlass, SuedeMaster, Tschopps Dry Cleaning and
Laundry Supply, Tuxedo Junction, Vanner Insurance Agency, Watson’s
Chocolates, West Herr Automotive Group. KISS 98.5 and the Buffalo News are
media presenters.
“All of the sponsorship funds are used 100 percent to promote Gowns for Prom
through a multi-media campaign in March for donations, volunteers and to inform
young ladies on how to obtain a gown if they need one for their prom,” explained
Christopher Billoni, Vice President of Colvin Cleaners and the third generation
Billoni in the business.