This local initiative outfits girls with free prom dresses, accessories

Guests shop for prom dresses during the “Belle of the Ball Boutique Day” at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

For many teenage girls, prom is the culmination of high school. But the cost of a dress and necessary accessories – which could amount to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars – can prevent many local students from attending their school’s celebration.

The Belle of the Ball, an invite-only initiative started by local chain Anton’s Cleaners, provides dresses and accessories for qualifying junior and senior high school students. A personal shopper helps girls pick a dress, make-up, clutches, necklaces, and shoes for the dance.

Senior Andrea Lopez, 18, left, of Boston Arts Academy, shares a laugh with volunteer Lauren Erlingheuser while looking for a dress at the “Belle of the Ball Boutique Day” at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. – Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Eligible students are nominated by counselors, teachers, church leaders, or social service workers to attend Boutique Day – their chance to find their own prom dress.

According to Yahoo’s Prom Across America 2017 survey, families in the Northeast spend the most on prom compared to other American families. The price tag for the dress, prom entry ticket and other accessories can amount to nearly $700.

Lawrence High School junior Rachelle Torres, 17, left, and senior Kamil Castilla, 18, embrace during the Belle of the Ball Boutique Day. – Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Jordan’s Furniture and Enterprise Bank also joined as corporate partners years after the advent of the drive, which began matching donated dresses for less than 100 girls in 2005. Nearly 20 years later, about 1,200 girls crowded Hynes Convention Center Saturday for Boutique Day, The Boston Globe reported.

Senior Marie Kilgoe, 19, of Boston Arts Academy, tries on earrings. – Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

While the Belle of the Ball event is a dress collection drive, the organization emphasizes the positive impact of Boutique Day for the teens. Qualifying students come from a variety of “financially and emotionally” difficult backgrounds, the website said.

“When I witness what these young ladies are experiencing here, it makes your heart feel good and burst with joy of being able to give something to somebody who couldn’t have been able to do it on their own,” Arthur Anton Jr., chief operating officer of Anton’s Cleaners and founder of the Belle of the Ball, told the Globe.