Moving its sale to Huntley, My Sister's Dress aims to make prom affordable for all

HUNTLEY – Almost any girl can admit, when it comes to prom, it is all about the dress.

Boutique and department store prices can make saying “yes” to the dress almost impossible. For 11 years, Crystal Lake nonprofit organization My Sister’s Dress has been a cure for prom dress sticker shock and a resource for those under financial duress, without which attending prom may not have even been an option. On March 10, the sale returns.

The brainchild of sister-in-laws Whitney Ruth and Emily Smith, the pair, along with friends and family members, came together to provide a resource to make prom affordable for all.

The yearly spring event features donated dresses in a variety of styles for $25 each.

“If you see this event first-hand, it’s amazing,” 2018 event chair Robyn Ostrem said. “The beautiful dresses that are donated and the willingness of the community members handing them over so others can wear and enjoy them is so great.”

The Lake in the Hills resident is the executive director at Sage YMCA in Crystal Lake and has been involved in some capacity since day one. Ostrem said without the support of the community, volunteers and Star 105.5 to get the word out, the event would not be in its now 11th year.

“The day of the event, there is a wide variety of customers – from those that couldn’t go without the dress to those that are trying to be thrifty and more cost-conscious,” Ostrem said. “It’s a mad dash when the doors open, and the girls have so much fun. Orchestrating all the chaos is so worth it.”

The My Sister’s Dress committee collectively decided to take the show on the road this year, moving the event venue to Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center, 10450 W. Algonquin Road, Huntley. Facilitated by the help of nearly 100 volunteers, My Sister’s Dress shoppers will have their pick of more than 700 dresses. And let’s not forget the accessories to complete the look. Shoes, purses and jewelry will be on sale for $5 each.

Richmond-Burton Community High School senior Stephanie Dehne is new to this year’s volunteer committee. The 17-year-old Spring Grove resident donated a short, pink, strapless dress to last year’s event, but wanted to get more involved.

“Prom is a big deal to me, and I thought it would be fun to help others in the community enjoy the same experience I was able to,” Dehne said.

Dehne said she thinks this year’s shoppers will look for more halter neck styles versus strapless and dresses with patterns as opposed to single statement colors and beading, but everyone has their own style. Dehne aims to recruit additional student volunteers at her school and work with current student volunteers to advertise at Richmond-Burton through social media and flyer postings and distribution to push support for a good cause.

“This shows us that there are families that have financial struggles that could use help. Your family may not be affected personally, but it opens up your eyes to the reality of the community you live in,” Dehne said. “Prom is memorable to most juniors and seniors and it’s expensive. The budget can be tight. I just want to give everyone the opportunity to make those memories.

All proceeds from the event, as well as all dresses not bought, will be donated to Home of the Sparrow. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 10 and admission is free. Donations will be accepted through March 9 at a variety of McHenry County locations. For a list of drop-off locations, visit the My Sister's Dress Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mysistersdress.