Colvin Cleaners’ Gowns for Prom Distribution Site Moving to Buffalo Convention Center

16th Annual 3-day Event Ensures Every Student will have a Prom Gown

Desperate Need for Donations of Gowns Sizes 12 and Larger

The 16th annual Colvin Cleaners Gowns for Prom has a new home, the Buffalo Convention Center, for high school students to select a free gown during its three-day distribution in April. For the past 15 years, the nonprofit program has been held on the stage at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Due to a need for more space and the unavailability of dates, the move was necessitated.

The 2024 Gowns for Prom will be held April 9, 10, and 11 from 3-7:00 p.m. To obtain a gown at no cost, WNY high school students must register online at: www.gownsforprom.com.

“We loved our partnership with Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Being on the amazing stage and using the stars’ dressing rooms was so special, but we simply outgrew the space. When this year’s dates did not work, we found a great location in the first-floor auditorium at the Buffalo Convention Center,” explained Christopher Billoni, vice president of Colvin Cleaners. “They are also building us dressing rooms so everything can be handled on one floor. This will give the students much more room to select and try on the gown of their dreams.”

Both The Allstate Foundation and Reeds Jenss support Colvin Cleaners’ Gowns for Prom. This nonprofit program relies on donations and volunteers from throughout Western New York. The Allstate Foundation provides donation spaces at various Allstate offices through out the year. Colvin Cleaners cleans, sorts, and distributes the gowns at no cost to students in the WNY community. “Our long-term partnership with Colvin Cleaners has been critical for our business’s success. Their commitment to quality is met with meticulous care and unparalleled service. We look forward to our continued relationship,” said Jeff Calkins, general manager of the Buffalo Convention Center.

Colvin Cleaners seeks donations of gowns of all sizes and colors, purses, and shoes, which students can select from. This year, they have a great need for gowns size 12 and larger. For a list of donation locations, visit www.gownsforprom.com.

STUDENTS MUST REGISTER ONLINE TO PARTICIPATE

Students must register for a time slot over the event’s three days to arrive at the Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin Street, to select the gown of their dreams at NO COST. Gowns will be displayed on racks, sorted by size, and volunteers will be on the floor assisting the students. To register, visit www.gownsforprom.com and sign up for a day and time slot.

“Online slots work best for students, their school, and their parents or guardians,” Billoni said. “This way, every student has time to select a gown, ensuring they look and feel their best for one of the biggest days of their high school careers. We’re so proud to be able to help so many students have the prom they deserve.”