If This Dress Could Talk: Donations Needed for Second Life Prom Dress Sale

If the pretty black-and-white, off-the-shoulder dress hanging in my closet could talk, you would hear the deep bass of House of Pain’s “Jump Around” playing in the background, and you would listen to a story about a night of friendship, dancing and laughter.

It was 1992; the prom theme was “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton.

While the birth of my two sons and my wedding day have trumped that prom, it is still a fun memory from my days of youth. It was the first time a lot of young men donned a tux, and it was the first time a lot of us young ladies primped and pampered ourselves with pretty nails, fancy hair and, of course, the most beautiful dress ever.

believes every young woman, no matter their circumstance, should experience an enchanted evening like that.

That's why the church is offering girls the chance for their own magical night with the "Second Life Prom Dress Sale”

“We know there are many families in the Pittsburgh area who are struggling to make ends meet and are still being affected by job loss and the economy," said Kelly Stebor, CCUPC's prom dress sale co-coordinator. "Unfortunately, the tremendous expense to go to their high school prom has prohibited many girls from attending. We would like to see every girl have the chance to go to her prom."

Church leaders hope to offer more than 1,000 dresses to choose from this year at the sale, which is in its third year.

“Dresses, which are donated from community members and similar fundraising events held at local colleges, as well as prom and bridal boutiques throughout the region, are sold for $20 each,” said event co-chairwoman Nancy MacFarlane. “Accessories such as purses, shoes, shawls and jewelry are priced individually for $5 and under.”

The sale will be March 26 at the church on Rochester Road. Admission is free.

And don't worry, the event certainly won’t be as chaotic as the Filene’s Basement annual “Running of the Brides” craziness.

“The sale starts at 9 a.m., and the indoor line is allowed to begin forming at 7:30 a.m.," said MacFarlane.

The staff also knows the importance of maintaining one’s stamina while shopping. A food and cupcake cafe will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downstairs level of the church.

Donations Needed

Donations of prom, bridesmaid and other formal dresses and accessories are being accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the church’s office, 2662 Rochester Road.

For other drop-off times or for more information, contact the CCUPC at 724-776-5310 or visit them online at www.ccupc.org.

A donation receipt is available for tax purposes. All proceeds from the sale go to various outreach ministries of the church.