Sanders Partners With WIN Foundation for 2nd Prom Dress Giveaway

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) was proud to partner with the When in Need Foundation for a 2nd prom dress giveaway. The recipients were about a dozen 5th grade graduating students at PS 52 in Springfield Gardens. There were a variety of brand new, elegant gowns to choose from, in many different styles, colors and sizes, including plus sizes.
 
“This is an exciting time of year for many young people who are graduating from school and attending parties, proms, dances and other celebrations,” Sanders said. “Since not everyone can afford an evening dress for these occasions, I am glad to be able to provide gowns to some of our young people. Thanks to the When in Need Foundation and its Executive Director Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, for purchasing the dresses and making this event possible.”
 
The student recipients were between the ages of 10 and 12. They were able to try on multiple gowns in order to decide which style and size was most suitable. They modeled the gowns for their parents and posed for photos. Nwoga-Ecton and other representatives from WIN assisted the girls with their selections.
 
“It is most rewarding and priceless to put a smile on the faces of these graduating students in need,” Nwoga-Ecton said. “Every child deserves a chance to go to their prom.”
 
This is the first year WIN is doing prom dress giveaways, but Nwoga-Ecton said it is something the organization plans to continue annually in the future.  
 
“As long as I have life and strength, I will continue to do this,” she said.
 
The attendees, which included, parent Wendy Butsko of Jamaica, and her daughter Alyssa Butsko, were pleased with the event.
 
“This is great for the kids,” Wendy Butsko said. “It gives them a chance to have something nice. A lot of these girls would not have a dress, including my daughter, if it wasn’t for this event.”
 
Alyssa Butsko, who had picked out a graceful, mint green dress, said she was happy with her selection. “It’s unique,” she said. “I am looking forward to wearing it to the dance.”
 
Senator Sanders’ office would like to thank PS 52’s Principal Linda Pough, Assistant Principal Deborah Roney, Guidance Counselor Rae Haskins and Parent Coordinator Donna Santana, for allowing us to host the event at the school and ensuring that it went smoothly.
 
“It is a great and honorable thing that Senator Sanders and the When in Need Foundation are doing,” Roney said. “It’s wonderful for the community and it gives the girls self-esteem.”
 
Senator Sanders worked with WIN on a similar prom dress giveaway event held at the end of May, where some 60 dresses were given to high school seniors in need from across the city. It was held at the SUNY Equal Opportunity Center in Jamaica.