Annual free prom dress exchange lets local high schoolers choose from over 500 dresses

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A yearly event returned this weekend offering free prom dresses to high schoolers here in the mountains.

This year's Prom Dress Exchange was Saturday, March 23, at Grace United Methodist Church on Tunnel Road in east Asheville.

They even had a seamstress on site to make any necessary alterations.

FREE 'PROM DRESS EXCHANGE' EVENT FOR WNC HIGH SCHOOLERS (2023)

Along with prom dresses, the event offered jewelry and accessories all at no cost.

"It really has evolved into empowering a woman," said event organizer Marsha Van Rijssen. "When you're in that perfect dress, it makes you feel so wonderful, really making that inner beauty shine through. I want every girl to feel that way, and with over 500 dresses here, we can."

"It's a great experience. It's just a ton of people from the community," said Olivia Hoots, assistant. "There's people my age and adults... everyone is just so supportive."

Anyone who has old prom or formal dresses they would like to donate for next year can find more information on that HERE.