April 28, 2026 PROM BOUTIQUE 2026 WRAP UP A Final 2026 Report on the Prom Boutique we co-host with the Lower Merion High School Free Store and The Most Extraordinary SuperHero Team of LMSD ELD Instructors, Krysten Lopez and Marybeth Martin, who go above and beyond for students in and out of their classroom every day. Since opening on February 23 more than 80 students, mostly from Lower Merion and Harriton High Schools, accessed the Prom Boutique for their prom needs. Each of these students left with one or more items, helping to remove barriers so they can attend prom. The support from the Community and the Lower Merion faculty and staff has been exceptional. We are especially grateful to Men's Wearhouse, Jos A. Bank, La’lli Hair Salon, Salon Tru, Floccos and Tantra, for sponsoring students with tuxedos, hair, nail, and makeup services. And to Brenna at Cup of Gold and SHIFT in Narberth for being donation drop off spots. Overheard at the Prom Boutique: A mother who shopped with her daughter shared: "Your outpouring of love and support was so felt and appreciated by my daughter. She is over the moon happy with everything that you gave her. Thrilled about the bag that you put everything in as well! Thank you for spoiling her." A student had a hard time choosing between two dresses. Of course, we let her take both. She shared: "This is great! I love this dress, and this one too. It is hard to choose" A student's comment to another student. "I love that color on you. This necklace would look low-key crazy with that dress." A student, after receiving a sponsorship for hair services, responded: "Really! For me? Now I am definitely going to prom." An student, after receiving a tuxedo sponsorship, said: "I was gonna wear a suit, but now I will feel like a king. Can I wear gold somewhere in the tux?" “LM has so many nice kids.” – A volunteer from Lower Merion Cares “I got the dress of my dreams that fits like it was made for me.” – A student to her friend “I love seeing students excited about these things.” – A parent We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this initiative such a success. We’d be remiss if we didn’t thank the front office staff at LM for their patience with the drop offs and borrowing the cart and Joe for buzzing us in and out a lot and everyone who unlocked the door to the Free Store when we were locked out and found our clothing racks when they were missing and all of the encouragement everyone offered as they walked by the Prom Boutique. There are many things to love about this project – the students of course – they are lovely - appreciative, interesting, warm and excited, the members of the community who donate their beautiful dresses and suits, the donors who send funds to cover what we need to buy, the fancy clothes and shoes and jewelry we have to offer- wow!, the daytime staff at LM, the evening folks, the businesses who donate services so generously, the local shops who make room for big cardboard boxes and let people trek in and out with bags of clothing, the social workers and counselors and teachers and clubs who spread the word so no one misses out on prom because of finances, the people who like and share our Facebook and Instagram posts so we know we are reaching people and our Lower Merion Cares volunteers who show up time after time and do the unglamorous work. Thanks for being part of our circle of support.