Trish Harris remembers shopping for her high school prom dress almost 20 years ago.

"The prices were high. And when you added the shoes and purse and trip to the beauty salon, my family really couldn't afford it all. I had to get a job," said Harris, of Hammond, during the recent 4th Annual Prom Genie Inc.'s Boutique Day at the Jean Shepherd Center in Hammond, which offered free prom dresses and accessories for those attending area high schools.

"Now it's my daughter's turn to go to the prom and I can't believe we're getting everything here for no charge. I thought there had to be a catch."

There wasn't.

The only criteria involved was that the girls had to currently be enrolled in an area high school and have a valid school ID. They could bring one guest.

Visitors were treated to speakers that discussed scholarship options and other topics as they waited their turn to enter the shopping area.

"This event has really expanded, so we've added a few things," said Shannon Morris, coordinator of Prom Genie Inc.'s Boutique Day. "We wanted to have professional women from the community speaking to our participants about furthering their education."

Students were welcomed on a first-come first-served basis.

In addition to the racks of hundreds of dresses to choose from, long tables also were set up for visitors to choose jewelry, a purse and shoes. Many of the formal dresses were new, with tags still attached; and other gently used formals had been professionally dry cleaned.

All items were donated by individuals and groups.

Also, students from Tricoci Beauty Academy in Highland worked with the girls to give tips on makeup and hairstyles for the big day.

Five girls at a time were escorted to shopping area, each assisted by their own, "personal shopper," which was a volunteer from the community.

"This is wonderful, the girls are having the full boutique experience," said Jackie Cabrera, a volunteer personal shopper, as she helped a Hammond girl find shoes for her pastel gown. "And it takes the financial burden off their parents."

Many of the parents who accompanied their daughters agreed.

"I was very thankful when I found out about this (dress giveaway)," said Tinatha Brown, of Whiting. "My daughter found a dress that fit perfectly and doesn't need alterations. She even found shoes and accessories to match. Prom Genie has been a blessing to us."

A seamstress who identified herself only as Miss Ruby was at the ready for those that did require small alterations on their dresses.

"This (event) is amazing; it's such a big help for the girls and their families" she said, as she loaded thread on top of her sewing machine. "I'm happy to volunteer and be involved with this."

Helen Lewis, founder of Prom Genie Inc.'s Boutique Day, began the event six years ago in Indianapolis before bringing it to Hammond four years ago.

The Hammond native had to work to pay for all her prom necessities and feels that high school girls should not have to face that burden.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/sexy-formal-dresses | www.marieaustralia.com/vintage-formal-dresses