Despite a subzero cold snap, an event with the goal of raising funds for scholarship opportunities aimed at young women proved to be an overwhelming success again this year. Chapter D P.E.O.’s second annual Priceless Prom event provided a unique yet affordable prom dress shopping experience while raising funds for scholarship projects.
“This year again it was so rewarding to offer the opportunity to young women from around the region to find a prom dress at an affordable price, all while raising money for scholarship projects for women,” explained P.E.O. member Peggy Fagerhaug, who originally brought up the idea to start holding the event. “You can see the moment their faces light up that they found their perfect dress.”
With 101 dresses donated and 31 consigned, area girls had plenty of inventory to choose from.
Volunteers who served on the Priceless Prom committee transformed the Historic 1905 Opera House into a high-end boutique with dressing rooms, refreshments and even custom alterations done on a platform in front of a mirror placed on the Opera House stage.
Event organizers said that any donated dresses that have been offered for two years and not purchased will be donated to Lower Brule.
Late last year, to prepare for the January 18-19 event, the committee sent event information to area schools, which helped draw 38 girls from not only Springs but also White Lake, Mitchell, Kimball, Wolsey, Huron, Stickney, Miller, Lane, Woonsocket, Corsica and Carpenter.
Event organizers are committed to holding the event again next year in 2026, dedicated to helping make prom dress dreams and scholarship project opportunities a reality.