Prom season dreams of nearly 200 area girls started at Springfield Masonic Community at the third annual Prom Extravaganza on March 20.
The marketing staff transformed the Burkhart Auditorium into a fashion runway with nearly 700 gently used formal gowns in various sizes lining the racks.
The event allows teens who plan to attend a prom to pick out a formal and 
from a selection of shoes and accessories if they desired. There was no monetary cost for the formals, but a fair return on investment - the girls had to monitor their dress for the residents.
It was often hard to tell who was having more fun, the girls trying on the dresses or the residents, who smiled and cheered the girls. Many of the residents reminisced about their own proms and enjoyed being a part of the girls' special day.
The formals and other items are donated throughout the year, with some formals being redonated by girls who have come to past extravaganzas. Being able to offer such an event is important to Springfield Masonic Community Marketing Director Nita Wilkinson.
"When you see a girl find the right dress, the look on her face is priceless," she said. "The economy has been tough and this is our way of giving back."
Springfield Masonic Community will continue to do the prom dress extravaganzas annually. Formal dress donations will be accepted throughout the year. For more information, call (937) 525-3008 or (888) 290-2664.
