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Schools

Prom Dresses for One and All

Grayslake North High School senior Kathryn Harrsch held a free prom dress giveaway to help girls who could not otherwise afford dresses attend their prom.

Kathryn Harrsch created a high school girl’s dream boutique in a second-floor room in the Grayslake Village Hall.

From strapless to spaghetti straps, white to purple and all sizes and lengths, prom dresses hung along a rack. And to complete the outfit, shoes were lined up along the table.

And the cost for each dress and pair of shoes - zero. They were all free.

A Grayslake North High School senior, Harrsch collected the dresses and accessories and held a giveaway last Saturday to help girls who could not otherwise afford a prom dress.

“We’re bringing them to give other girls a chance to go themselves,” Harrsch said.

Kathryn’s mom, Sandy became emotional as she described the work her daughter has done.

“She never ceases to amaze me with the capabilities that she can do from the smallest thing to organizing this and making sure someone else has a wonderful day,” she said.

Harrsch said many in the high school community and area colleges donated dresses and gently used accessories such as shoes and clutches. In all, Harrsch collected about 60 dresses.

“Everyone should be able to experience their high school prom. It’s terrible if they don’t have enough money to buy a dress,” said Kelsey Huffman, a senior at Grayslake North who donated three dresses. “It’s great that I can give my dress to them so they can enjoy their prom.”

Harrsch said she hosted the giveaway at a neutral site like village hall so girls would not feel any stigma attached for picking up a dress. She fears, however, that embarrassment may have deterred some girls from coming.

“I don’t think anyone wants to say they don’t have enough money to buy something new. I think it’s a pride factor,” she said. “But no one should be embarrassed or feel they shouldn’t be part of something special like their prom.”

Sue Winkowski of Grayslake came to the giveaway to pick out a white dress for her granddaughter, Savannah.

“It’s really nice,” she said. “She will be thrilled.”

Harrsch said she plans to make sure all the dresses are given to girls who need them and may donate them to Mano A Mano in Round Lake Park or to a local Goodwill store.

As Grayslake Central holds prom Friday and Grayslake North on Saturday, Harrsch hopes the giveaway gives girls the chance to attend prom and feel beautiful.

“I feel I’m doing my part," she said. "I was made to help other people. I don’t want anyone to feel left out because they can’t afford this. Everyone should have the same opportunity."

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