Foundation sponsors 2nd annual Prom Dress Giveaway
Photos by Tevin Stinson
Atkins High School senior Twylah Gathings shows off her prom dress during the Prom Dress Giveaway event on Saturday, March 19. The event was sponsored by the Chris Paul Family Foundation.
BY TEVIN STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
Prom season is a special time for many teens, but for those whose families cannot afford the costly price of a prom dress, it can also be very stressful. For the second year in a row the Chris Paul Family Foundation has helped juniors and seniors from local high schools remove some of that stress with their Prom Dress Giveaway.
On Saturday, March 19, a conference room inside the Hawthorne Inn located in downtown Winston-Salem was filled with girls searching through racks of dresses, trying on shoes and even getting make-up tips to use on the big night.
The event also featured a fashion show with models from the Scarlet Lace dance team from Winston-Salem State University, which was hosted by Roxie from 102 JAMZ 3 Live Crew morning show.
The Prom Dress Giveaway included a prize giveaway as well. A number of girls received gift certificates to popular restaurants in the area, limousines and tuxedo rentals for dates, just to name a few.
Wife of Los Angeles Clippers superstar point guard Chris Paul, Jada Crawley Paul, said she decided to bring the Prom Dress Giveaway to her hometown because she is a firm believer in giving back.
In years past the foundation held similar giveaways in Los Angeles.
“Prom is a very big deal. It will be something they remember forever,” she said. “We wanted to make it easier on mom and the girls to ensure they have fun and enjoy their night.”
According to Paul, with help from the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System, this year’s event was the biggest so far. More than 75 girls left the giveaway with a dress, shoes, jewelry and handbag. Last year around 50 girls participated in the giveaway.
“The event seems to grow every year,” said Paul. “We hope to help even more families next year.”
Kayla Allen’s mother, Michelle Smith, applauded Jada and the Chris Paul Family Foundation for putting on the event.
“This event is just excellent,” said Smith. “It’s great that she is reaching back into her community to make a difference.”
Atkins High School senior Twylah Gathings said the Prom Dress Giveaway was exciting and memorable.
“I think this event was very special because a lot of people don’t do things like this for Winston-Salem.” said Gathings. “As a little girl growing up, prom is something you dream about and as a senior, I’m ready to enjoy my last one.”