THE PROM is an American rite of passage that has, through cultural ups and downs, become an enshrined part of adolescence for almost a century. Yet the costs associated with the prom — costs that have progressively increased over the years — can make participation prohibitively expensive for many students.
The ever-spiraling cost of going to the prom has actually been explored in Fortune magazine, Newsday, USA Today, and other publications. In this digital age, proms have gotten progressively more elaborate, including the often hefty price for a limo rental. Going to the prom can cost hundreds of dollars — sometimes, the total price tag for this one night is a whopping $2,000.
Christy Mock is the owner of Sunshine Flowers & Gifts and has made an effort to eliminate some of the extra expenses involved in going to prom and attending middle school dances. She and her husband, Matt Mock, created the “Something Borrowed” program, which allows girls to choose from donated dresses, wear them for the big event, and then return them — akin to a library.
The idea came to them quite suddenly after Christy’s arbitrary purchase of a formal dress at a thrift store. She then “put it out there” to people she knew, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Members of the community stepped forward with their donations, along with a consignment shop and boutique that also added to the supply. Eventually, the stock totaled 150 dresses. Girls can come and try these dresses on (not at Sunshine Flowers & Gifts) and then return the items post-prom.
There was a pop-up changing tent, along with a mirror, which helped to streamline the process. Unlike a library, there are no late fees — or fees of any sort at all. Something Borrowed saves the participants from having to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress. This can enable them to attend the festivities when they previously couldn’t or simply save their money for other costs associated with proms and dances.
The community “has come together,” according to Mock, and word of mouth and social media have been an effective way to communicate the existence of Something Borrowed. She has also “reached out to schools, to counselors, and made a flyer, and mailed it out so they could pass them out to the kids there. We sent it out to our chamber of commerce as well.”
Something Borrowed also was mentioned on NewsChannel 5 (WTVF). It’s obviously getting the attention it deserves. Most of the girls who use this service are from the area, but there is no real geo-graphic requirement.
“If there’s a need for it,” Mock stated, “there’s a need for it.”
Something Borrowed has also facilitated an older crowd as well. Some Cumberland University students used the service for a banquet, and adult women have also used Something Borrowed.
“And then we’re helping the special needs prom in the fall. It’s going to be at the fairgrounds in Lebanon. We’re going to donate all the dresses we have now.”
Mock was a special needs teacher and said she knew “how hard it is for them to find dresses or be included in stuff.” There will be one day when students with disabilities will come in and pick out a dress, along with getting their hair and makeup done.
Christy Mock has “been blown out of the water” by the success of this program and is “amazed by the need for it.” She has fielded requests to include boys in the process by lending out suits, but there simply isn’t room.
“If we had a bigger space, we’d definitely do that too.” Middle and high school students, especially in the age of social media, face a barrage of pressure. The fear of looking conspicuous — of standing out for the wrong reasons — is a constant in every generation. Nobody should have to feel stigmatized or left out because of financial constraints. Christy Mock and Something Borrowed are making things a little easier all around. GN
