Watch CBS News

Program Helps Teens Glam Up For Prom

(CBS) -- When 17-year old Madison Brown heads to Marist High School's prom, she'll have a new dress, a new hairdo and a glamorous new look.

"I'm so grateful. They've made me feel so special today. I love what they've done," she says.

Program Assists Prom Attendees

Brown is one of dozens of girls chosen for the Senior PROMise program, which provides dresses and makeovers for girls in need. Mario Tricoci University of Beauty Culture in Bridgeview will do prom-perfect makeup and hairstyles for three groups of teenagers who otherwise couldn't afford to glam up for this milestone.

"It's an opportunity to create a lifetime memory that they think wasn't possible. We all remember our prom. She'll look back at this in 20 years and say thank you and hopefully pay it forward to other young people who aren't as fortunate," says MaryKay Touhy Silverman of Edward Touhy's Guardian Angel Foundation.

She says the average cost of a girl to go to prom is $975.

"Between the dress, spray tan and hair and makeup and shoes and everything it's a lot of money and not all families are fortunate they can afford to splurge on their daughter. This is a way to create a lifetime memory for the young adult," said Touhy-Silverman.

The Foundation already provided the girls with prom dresses, handbags and shoes at the "Glam Closet" event in early April. Students are chosen by their school based on need.

Girls from North Lawndale College Prep will be getting their makeovers next week.

Brown says she's thrilled with the results.

"I love it. I love it so much," she says.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.