Every April, the Woman’s Club of Evanston (WCE) transforms its historic Chicago Avenue clubhouse into a special prom boutique. With the help of volunteers who serve as personal shoppers, area students enjoy a boutique experience where they “shop” for everything they need to complete the prom look of their dreams. New and nearly new prom dresses, shoes, jewelry and accessories are provided free to students.
“We believe that every student in Evanston and neighboring communities, regardless of means, should be able to attend their senior prom,” said Katherine Dong, co-chair of the event.
The first Dreams Delivered boutique was held in 2007 and served 40 students from Evanston Township High School. Not long after, the WCE joined with the Ivy Pearl Foundation in collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Chi Omega Chapter. Together, their members work to publicize the event in the community, collect dresses and accessories, purchase items as needed, sort donations, and serve as volunteers for the boutique nights. Thanks to this powerful partnership, more than 1,000 students have shopped for free at the boutique since it began. Registration is required and is now open to students from neighboring communities as well as from Evanston. For more information about the event, or to register for an appointment April 13 to 15,go to the WCE website.
What to expect at your boutique appointment
Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. Students must present a valid school ID at the welcome desk. Be prepared for your appointment to last approximately two hours. A personal shopper will assist you in choosing a dress, shoes and jewelry. You may bring one guest with you into the boutique.
The dress, shoes and jewelry are yours to keep.
How to donate
Dress donations are currently being accepted through March 10. Dresses should be new or nearly new, preferably three years old or less. Students are looking for age-appropriate prom styles they see in stores.
Dress drop off bins available at the following locations:
- Engage Pilates (3950 Church St., Evanston)
- Engel & Volkers (2401 N. Clark, Chicago)
- First Northern Credit Union (1705 Sherman Ave., Evanston)
- Hoosier Mama (749 Chicago Ave., Evanston)
- Hubba Hubba (1105 Central St., Wilmette)
- Jameson Sotheby’s (2934 Central St., Evanston)
- North Shore Country Day (310 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka)
- Sona Fitness (3008 Central St., Evanston)
- Stella Boutique (2116 Central St., Evanston)
- Temple Beth Emet (1224 Dempster, Evanston)
Registration open for Woman’s Club of Evanston free prom boutique for students is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.