CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) -- For the second year in a row, major
efforts are underway to help area high school students enjoy a night they may
never forget.
Many teens and their families are still recovering from last April's tornadoes
and the support is needed.
Since 7 o'clock Friday morning, volunteers have been setting up for this year's
Rescue Prom.
"Communities, strangers, people from nationwide, 2 hours away and even Mexico
have come together for the victims last year," Crystal Cadieux says.
And this year the response has been even greater, with dresses as far as the
eye can see!
After last year's tornadoes hit the Tennessee Valley, Crystal Cadieux and other
volunteers started collecting prom dresses, so storm victims could go to prom.
They gave away almost 900 dresses.
"Seeing their reactions and how much of an impact it really made on all
these girls and guys, it brought tears to my eyes," says Crystal.
This year they expect to give away more than 3,500.
"We expect to possibly not have any dresses left," says Crystal.
"This is my dress my junior year," Alexx Cannon says. "And I donated it
last year."
Alexx Cannon graduated from Dade High School last year and knew she had to
volunteer.
"I kind of sew, so I help like alter just like straps and stuff," she
says.
Cannon says making prom possible is a big deal.
"It's like a rite of passage," she says. "Like, you're supposed to go to
prom, at least your senior year."
And creating that shopping experience makes all the difference.
"It's nice to have someone there to help you, just like go get your stuff
and bring it back and be like, 'yeah that looks good' or 'I think you could
find a better one'," Alexx says. "So, it's just good to have that help."
Even though her dress wasn't chosen last year, she's confident it will go home
with the right person.
"It's kind of wrinkled now, but I think someone could really like this
dress," says Alexx.
"For kids to be able to experience that and cherish it in their memories,
it's a great thing," says Crystal.
And Rescue Prom is not just for
the ladies. They'll be taking measurements for tux rentals as well.
It's first come, first serve and it all starts Saturday morning at 9:30 at the
South Chattanooga Community Center on West 40th Street.
