Alpha Sigma Tau sorority will host its fifth annual Project Prom on Mar. 19 from 10:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. at the AST house in
Greek Village. Project Prom gives high school females from the surrounding area a chance to shop for formal wear and accessories.
Courtesy of Amber McGrath
Prom season is right around the corner for high school females who have begun searching for the perfect formal dress, shoes and accessories.
Alpha Sigma Tau sorority hosts its annual philanthropy Project Prom to help ensure every girl is given the chance to have their dream prom night. Even though this will be the sorority’s fifth year planning the event, members are looking forward to the new surprises.
“We have many new things planned for this year and hope to get an increase of participation from Tangipahoa schools,” said AST member Amber McGrath.
Every sorority has their own respected philanthropic event their members work towards each year. Project Prom is special to AST members such as McGrath.
“Speaking on behalf of AST, we created this philanthropy five years ago to give back to the Hammond community,” said McGrath. “I enjoy this philanthropy project because we directly meet the people we are helping and they express their thanks to us. It’s a different type of feeling then just donating money to a cause.”
Project Prom 2016 will take place on Mar. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the AST house in Greek Village on North Campus. Girls from surrounding high schools are eligible to attend the event.
“The number of girls participating in the event ranges from year to year,” said McGrath. “The ladies of Alpha Sigma Tau reach out to the guidance counselors in the Tangipahoa Parish area, and the guidance counselors refer girls to our event. The guidance counselors take in consideration financial status, academic status and how the participants excel in their community.”
Project Prom helps girls to find a formal gown fitting their style and personality.
“The day begins at 10 a.m. when high school girls begin to show up for the big day,” said McGrath. “Each participant is scheduled a one hour time frame and can bring two guests friends or family. We work many hours before the event planning to make the parlor into a dress boutique so we can make the experience as fun as possible. We have many ‘fitting rooms’ in our house where the girls may try on dresses and accessories.”
However, the day does not just end after a girl finds her perfect dress to complete her prom night. AST plans more activities for the participants and its members to enjoy.
“The day is topped off with food and drinks, music and a photo booth,” said McGrath. “My favorite part of the day is seeing a girl fall in love with a dress and being so thankful for what we have given her.”
The event’s yearly success is due to the sorority’s hard work and dedication as well as donations.
“The sorority has begun collecting dresses from members of AST and other sororities and organizations on campus,” said McGrath. “We accept dresses, accessories, jewelry, handbags, perfume, nail polish and monetary donations.”
For more information on Project Prom, contact an AST member.