Avanti Senior Living communities across the Greater Houston area have collaborated with a local organization to collect previously worn prom dresses for high school girls in need.

Amy Brooks established A Dress for Barbara in 2011. Every year, she collaborates with churches, schools and businesses to collect about 400 dresses. This Saturday, April 22, about 150 of those girls will participate in the “Blessed by the Dress” event at Conroe High School.

The event will be open to anyone who signs up in advance and shows a valid high school identification card. Once the attendees arrive, Brooks will match them with a “fairy godmother” who will help them find their dress with accessories. Later, they will be pampered by hair and makeup artists and participate in a photo session.

“It’s an extremely touching event that sometimes brings tears to our eyes,” Brooks said. “We just want to be here to encourage them, touch their lives and share our love with them. It is such a blessing to share God’s love and see their faces light up when they try on the dress that suits what they were looking for—the dress that makes them feel like a princess.”

The following Avanti locations will host prom dress drives through May 1:

  • Avanti Senior Living at Towne Lake, 17808 Lakecrest View Drive, Cypress—drop-off runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

  • Avanti Senior Living at Vision Park, 120 Vision Park Blvd., Shenandoah—drop-off runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

  • Avanti Senior Living at Augusta Pines, 24520 Community Center Drive, Spring—contact Kelly Hodges at 281-966-5788 to schedule a drop-off time


Those who donate prom dresses will be provided with a tax-deductible receipt upon request.

High school students who would like to sign up for Saturday’s event should contact A Dress for Barbara at [email protected] or 832-368-4353.