Becca's Closet opens door for prom-goers
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer
In an effort to give every deserving student in Monmouth County a special prom night, Freehold Township High School has started a chapter of Becca's Closet, a nonprofit organization that provides formal attire to high school students who would not otherwise be able to afford such attire for a prom or homecoming ceremonies.

Senior Mariam Abouhossein, 18, started the chapter in 2007.

To date the Freehold Township chapter has acquired a collection of about 150 dresses from donors such as Macy's East at the Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, Cinderella's Bridal, Matawan, and Barbara's Boutique, Toms River.

According toAbouhossein, founder and president of the Becca's Closet chapter, "I first saw the organization on-line and fell in love with it. Becca's Closet is a great way to help many students and I hope we can continue to spread the word and make a difference in the community. We all know that prom time is a very expensive and stressful time. When I encountered Becca's Closet I immediately thought this would be a nice thing to bring to our school."

The way Becca's Closet works is that any student who would like to see the available prom clothes and accessories must make an appointment and have a valid student ID. Students meet confidentially with a member of the chapter at school and select a dress to take home for free. While no financial evidence is required, Becca's Closet is maintained through the honor system, according to the Freehold Regional High School District.

According to Abouhossein, about 15 students have looked at gowns this prom season.

John Bruzzese, operations manager of Macy's East at the Freehold Raceway Mall, said the store has donated about 35 dresses to Becca's Closet.

"As a large corporation, Macy's is involved in a lot of givebacks. At Macy's Freehold, because we are part of the surrounding community, we wanted to do what we could to give back," he said.

In addition to donating gowns to Becca's Closet, the executives at Macy's Freehold have given the chapter rolling racks to help store the dresses and they have offered to give each recipient a free makeover on the day of their prom.

"We want to make this day really special. This is not about trying to sell something. This is about giving back to the community we are part of," Bruzzese said.

It is that spirit of giving which led freshman Brianna Montalto, 15, to get involved with Becca's Closet.

According to Brianna, who will serve as the president of Becca's Closet during the 2008-09 school year, "I think this is a great cause and I like the idea of helping others."

Freshman Taylor Frankel, 15, said that being able to obtain a prom dress from Becca's Closet could "make someone's year amazing. It will make their memories perfect, and ultimately make them very happy."

The Freehold Township High School chapter of Becca's Closet may be reached via e-mail at beccasclosetfths@gmail.com.