First Baptist Church of Grandview Hosts 10th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway

The First Baptist Church of Grandview is once again hosting the annual Prom Dress Giveaway, which runs through April 22.

Now in its tenth year, the giveaway is open to girls from schools throughout the metro area and beyond, who can shop for a free formal dress to wear to prom, along with jewelry and shoes.

Event coordinator Amy Blankenship enlists help from her family and friends to support the event, which kicked off March 8. Blankenship said they gave away a record 140 dresses in just four hours.

“We were super excited and exhausted, but it was amazing.”

She is joined by her daughter, Rachel Eze, daughters-in-law Anneka Blankenship and Maddie Blankenship, and friend of the family Corinna Humiston as event coordinators. After three sessions, the team reported the official dress giveaway count at 285.

Blankenship says shoppers come from schools throughout the metro, and as far away as Warrensburg and Maryville.

Future giveaway dates:

• Tuesday, March 25: 4:30 to 8 pm
• Thursday, March 27: 4:30 to 8 pm
• Tuesday, April 1: 4:30 to 7 pm
• Thursday, April 3: 4:30 to 7 pm
• Thursday, April 10: 4:30 to 7 pm
• Tuesday, April 22: 4:30 to 7 pm

No appointment is needed, though the girl who will wear the dress must be present.

Blankenship says the number of shoppers decreases later into the season, though she is proud to offer the service into late April.

“I’ll never forget the young woman from Raytown South who was asked on Wednesday to attend the prom on Saturday,” said Blankenship. “She didn’t know she would be going, so we were glad to be here for her.”

Donations Needed:

Dress donations are always accepted, in sizes 0-28 in long and short styles, along with formal jewelry and shoes of all sizes. The giveaway is also open during homecoming and court warming seasons.

Blankenship also welcomes volunteers to staff the giveaway events and seamstresses to make light repairs or alterations as needed.

The First Baptist Church of Grandview is located at 1416 Main Street, with entry on the west side of the church. Learn more about the giveaway on the event’s Facebook page, email fbcpromdressgiveaway@gmail.com or call 816-813-1879

The church also hosts a clothing closet with free clothing available. Learn more at firstbaptistgrandview.org.

A version of this story that ran in print indicated this is the 9th annual event. This story has been corrected.