Netflix donates to Project Prom gown giveaway in Allegheny County

Some lucky young ladies could find themselves attending the prom in a gown worn in a movie.

The producers of “Sweet Girl,” a Netflix movie filmed in Pittsburgh, donated 150 dresses leftover from a gala scene in the film to the annual Project Prom giveaway.

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services and its partner, the National Council of Jewish Women, will hold the Project Prom giveaway for eligible high school students beginning on March 21.

“Sweet Girl” is described as an action thriller movie starring Jason Momoa. It will be released in 2021.

“One of the costume designers on the movie was actually a volunteer seamstress at Project Prom,” said Meredith Brown, manager of programs and operations for the NCJW. “When they had dresses left over, she brought the project to the attention of one of the people involved with the movie and that’s how we got the dresses.”

Shelli Luchs, events and donation coordinator for the county, said the dresses are elegant, and the students will be excited about them.

“Especially because they’re related to ‘Sweet Girl,’ a Netflix film. I think that makes it even more exciting,” said Luchs. “They’re very trendy. They have a lot of beading, very intricate dresses, a lot of very classic colors, red, black, navy blue, green, just very elegant dresses.”

The price of a prom dress usually starts at about $300.00 for the dress alone. That cost doesn’t include shoes and accessories.

“If there is a student in Allegheny County that wants to attend their prom but cannot because the dress or the outfit is too expensive, this is their chance to be able to go to prom and get a dress for free,” said Elaine Plunkett, communications specialist for Allegheny County.

Most of the over 2,000 dresses are brand new, according to Plunkett.

“Some of the girls are anxious about what they might find. ‘It’s free. What would that look like?’” said Plunkett. “Then when they come and see the dresses they are so excited. They realize that they really are going to prom and there is just such a joy on their face.”

To be a part of Project Prom, high school students must live in Allegheny County and qualify for a free or reduced school lunch. A student is also eligible if a household member is on active military duty or a veteran.

The giveaway begins March 21 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the NCJW’s Thriftique Shop in Lawrenceville. Other giveaway times are:

• March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• March 23 from 3 to 6:30 p.m.

• March 26 from 3 to 6:30 p.m.

• March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

There will be an assortment of currently styled dresses of all sizes and colors available. Teens will be able to choose from brand-new and gently used gowns. There will also be a selection of shoes and accessories to accompany the dresses. Preregistration is not required.

For more information go to: www.AlleghenyCounty.US/ProjectProm