Once Upon a Prom Boutique

8 years ago I had a couple of prom dresses sitting in my closet and I thought to myself, why do I have these? What should I do with them? Then it dawned upon me. I should give them away. There are probably girls out there like me who could not afford top of the line dresses but still wanted to look amazing. I took the idea to my youth group leader at Elkton United Methodist Church. She is quite possibly one of the most p a s s i o n a t e and

inspiring people I know. She of course loved the idea and brought it to life. She provided me with a space to start collecting dresses and met every girl at the church when I couldn't be there. The first year or two we had a great outpouring of donations. The dresses were beautiful but more importantly seeing the wide range of people giving so graciously was far more beautiful. We were able to help quite a bit of girls the first few years and we quickly grew. Before too long we had to move into a bigger area of the church. Not long after we moved to an off campus location and when we went back to EUMC we turned half of the basement downstairs into a full out boutique! For the last 6 years or so we have been so fortunate to have the thoughtful donation of brand new dresses from Prom Girl. There are literally $400 dresses that we are able to offer to girls for no cost. 

Thanks to the help of many people we have created a space where girls can browse hundreds of dresses by size, style and length. We have 3 full size dressing rooms and shelves full of handbags, shoes and jewelry. I have heard countless stories of parents who literally prayed for a way to send their daughter to prom. I have hugged many girls who were just so thankful that they found a dress that fit and made them feel beautiful without a huge cost. I have seen girls come in with the mindset that they didn't like anything and with a little guidance, they left surprised and feeling ready for Prom! The outpouring of support and thoughtfulness has always been a positive and inspiring part of my life. There have been numerous people who have spent countless Saturday's organizing dresses and helping girls. We could not have even come close to helping hundreds of girls if it wasn't for the support of other people. This has truly been a team effort. There were times I wasn't sure if we could continue this outreach for many reasons but God continues to provide, therefore, I have to continue to serve. I truly believe that giving to others is part of my purpose and blesses me more than I think those families could ever imagine. 

             

                 

______________________________________________<3_________________________________________________

To all of the girls who have so willingly sacrificed your time and talent to this little boutique- Thank you! I love all of you and the hearts that you possess. I'm blessed to know you. 

(A.F., T.C., K.H., B.L., A.W., A.G.,) 

To the women in my life who helped to bring a simple idea to life. You've inspired me and your heart for serving the Lord reminds me why we are asked to bless others. We are so lucky to have you <3

______________________________________________<3________________________________________________

Even though we still have hundreds of dresses available to choose from, we unfortunately, lose a lot of great dresses each year. We have not received nearly as many dresses back as we have given. If you can, please return what you take. Not for me, but for the future girls who deserve a chance to wear the perfect dress to prom. While prom might seem like a minor detail to some, it is a big deal to a teenage girl. Every girl deserves a chance to experience an event so exclusive to their high school experience. Every girl deserves the opportunity if they want to. We are always accepting donations at Elkton United Methodist Church or feel free to message us on our Facebook page! 

                                    

The Heart of a Saint and the Fight of a Tiger

Never have I met a woman with so much courage, strength and patience. Many of you who know this woman also know those qualities but you may not know how they were developed. I think it's so important to share our stories and I really can't share any of mine without sharing hers. My mom has never had anything handed to her and yet has always been the most positive person I know. I'll share a little of her life with you just so hopefully you can see what I see; the importance of having faith to overcome anything and the importance of just being k i n d.

     My mom, Veronica, grew up in a small, poor area. She walked to school alone each day and remembers wondering how she ever made it without any issues considering what was going on around her. She has 4 younger siblings and of course took a caretaker role. She cooked, cleaned and watched over everyone in her family as often as she possibly could. She was overlooked all throughout her life yet she had the courage to just keep on. She graduated high school and met my father who let's just say was the complete opposite! Next thing you know I was born! Despite trying to work on their marriage, it just didn't work. They were young and very, very different. But I always remember as a young two year old being held by both of my parents. I truly know in my heart they tried and that no matter what they both loved my sister and I. My mom moved on from that time in her life and worked and worked and worked. She worked 2-3 jobs while I was growing up. She never once complained. I had the privilege of being cared for by my aunts, uncles and grandparents. My sister and I missed my mom but we were always so cared for and we never went without. Yes, sometimes we had some inventive meals that I still get made fun of for when I make them but it worked!

     Our lives continued to change and eventually we made our way to Elkton, MD. We had a beautiful house with a pool, great neighbors and my sister and I had wonderful friends. Life was good. However, life took a twist and all of us experienced the most painful experience our family had ever faced. While I will not get into details just trust me when I say our whole lives were flipped upside down. It affected all of us in a lot of different ways. I can honestly say I experienced depression and anxiety. Then, a few months after everything had come about, my mom was T-boned and rushed to the hospital. We were told the accident was so bad that she was lucky to be alive. I remember visiting the chapel of the hospital praying that I could keep my mom. I was 20 years old and all I wanted was my mom. She came out of her accident with minimal damage considering but truly was hurt. She never complained. Actually, I take it back. She complained about having to follow up with the doctor a week after the accident. :) She remembers that the accident came at a time in her life where she was at a crossroads and it enlightened her. She knew she had to move on with her life and that she needed to cherish it oh so much. So she did just that. I was able to watch my mom's faith grow tremendously. She worked with a humble attitude and gave so much of her time and money to people around her. She learned to love herself and she allowed a really great person to come into our lives who is the most loving and thoughtful person I know.

     My mom has sent two girls, 3 years apart, to college and will get to watch her baby graduate this May. My mom helped me get ready for my wedding and experienced every single part of the wedding process with me. She made everything and of course managed to stay the peaceful and positive person. I know that no matter what I can always count on this woman, not because she's perfect and not because I'm her daughter but because she is always honest (very honest) and she is always hopeful. She has worked her way up from a high school graduate and single mom to an amazing and notable retail store manager.  Her work ethic was been noticed and has led to opportunities for her to travel to NY and spend a day with Kathie Lee, she flew to Arkansas and met famous people and she went to the White House last year to help with the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

   I think by reading this you have some idea where my sister and I get our work ethic and positivity from. My mom is a fighter and I am so glad she never gave up on herself or us. The three of us have
always had a special bond and I know that is something that will never change. We want the best for those around us and we truly want people to find the peace and happiness that we have found despite many setbacks. I hope that all of you have someone in your life that you find motivation and inspiration from. I also hope you have that someone in your life that you can count on to call when you're sad, share news with when you're happy and just enjoy a cup of coffee with.

Also, I know my mom is probably feeling a little awkward reading this about herself, but it's true. I love you mom and I hope to be just half the mother you are. We are so lucky to have you!