Second-annual prom formal wear event to be held April 7 and 8

High school students needing formal wear for their school’s 2023 prom can find a free selection of dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories at 1422 S Neil in Champaign on April 7 from 3-7 p.m. and April 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event organized by Champaign’s Mike Ingram is in its second year.

“Last year we did this in a week,” Ingram said. “Someone said ‘You should do something like [what your aunts do at their shop in Rossville] here in Champaign.’ It was something like March 30th! But we found a space quickly and managed to assemble 700 dresses, around 400 pairs of shoes, hundreds of pieces of jewelry, dozens of bags, and so much more stuff. And it all went out the door. For free. It was amazing.”

This year’s event comes with a bonus tribute, in memory of two local women who have passed away recently: Tomarra Motley and Jodi Evelsizer.

Ingram said, “They were both such wonderful, supportive women. Jodi was literally in the middle of cancer treatments in Chicago during last year’s event, but made sure to have someone go to her house to pull out a couple of things she wanted to donate.”

Donations are still being accepted at downtown eatery Farren’s during their business hours, or at the 1422 S Neil location during listed hours.

“The more items we have, the better the chance that every kid will find something that they love. And maybe they’ll also find a graduation dress or a pair of shoes for a wedding. We take all kinds of donations and if someone can use it for something, that’s great,” Ingram said.

Any items left at the end of the event will be distributed to local organizations in need. Nothing will be thrown away.

Additional dates for students to shop will be announced after April 9.