BOISE - A local nonprofit is making sure no one goes underdressed to that formal event. Since 2009, Dresstravaganza has helped over 1,500 young women in need of a formal dress for special occasions.
For Meridian High School students Kaylynn and Alexis, it is a dream come true. Dresstravaganza provided them with free dresses so they can attend their homecoming dance.
"It's really awesome because for some people who can't afford to buy a $100 homecoming dress, they can come here and rent it for two weeks and it's completely free and then just bring it back," said Alexis. "It's amazing to have something as simple as a dress that can make such a difference."
And it does make a difference. Monica Stamper is the founder of Dresstravaganza.
"We started with just 100 dresses in 2009 and we are well over 1,500 dresses I would say at this point," Monica said. "We started with a mission of just helping Boise High, and it has grown into we help everyone in the Treasure Valley and beyond."
Monica says she owes it all to her volunteers and her generous donors.
"What would be something that normally is just collecting dust in a closet can turn into dreams and fairy tales," she said. "More dresses just keep getting donated by this wonderful community."
Dresstravaganza truly impacts lives.
"Dads have come to us and said 'thank you, finances are tight... and I didn't know how I was going to provide for my princess, but you made that possible,'" said Monica. "It's kind of a rite of passage."
Kaylynn and Alexis can't wait for their big night.
"I'm super excited because it's my first homecoming," said Kaylynn.
Thanks to Monica and the volunteers at Dresstravaganza, they will go to the dance in style.
Dresstravaganza is located in the Boise Outlet Mall on Eisenman Road. They do not charge for services, but they do accept a suggested donation of $10 per borrowed dress to help cover the cost of cleaning. The store is open to all high school girls who are in need of a dress.
For more information on when you can visit Dresstravaganza, or donate a dress, visit their Facebook page.