KILLEEN, Texas — The “A Dress & A Blessing” event was hosted by Marcus Simmons Fashion & Arts Academy on Saturday, March 30 where young girls picked from hundreds of dresses at the Killeen Civic Center.
Dozens of high schools girls left with a beautiful prom dress and a big smile. They got their hair, makeup and nails done. There were also massage therapists as well.
"I feel pampered, I feel like a princess," Phylicia Adams, Chaparral High School student, said.
The best part, it was all for free!
It's all possible because of Dominique Simmons.
"It's a big, big thing for them," Simmons told 6 News. "Everybody remembers their prom."
Simmons said, "God gave me the vision."
When Simmons first started planning for the event months ago, he was hoping for just 25 dress donations.
"There was probably about 400 to dresses here, so it's been a really fun ride," Simmons added.
There was really something for everyone.
"At first I was worried," Farrah Sanchez, Chaparral High School student, said. "I thought I couldn't find one of my sizes, but with some digging, I found one."
All thanks to donations from Central Texans.
"It's just been really cool for the community come and support these young girls," Simmons said.
It's also been special seeing all the smiles.
"When a woman puts on a dress, they feel empowered, they feel strong, they feel confident," Simmons said. "I've been watching a lot of the girls kind of move around That's that empowerment that they're getting through these dresses. It's just such a touching thing. You know, when the kid comes up to you and says, 'Thank you, I love my dress,' and you just see people smiling. I think that's nothing you can replace."
Simmons hoped this event could relieve stress from families.
"It's kind of like pressure, you know, holidays, you know, Christmas, all those come around and prom is one of those things you don't think about," Simmons said.
Now high schoolers will feel beautiful on their special day.
"You get a lot of opportunities here, and you don't have to break your wallet," Adams said.
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