Julie Wainwright founder and CEO of TheRealReal provided the keynote for The Princess Project inaugural gala on May 18, 2017. Some 150 supporters gathered for the celebration at The Chapel in San Francisco and raised funds to help promote self-confidence in local teens. The Princess Project, established in San Francisco in 2002, provides free prom dresses and accessories to high school teens in need. Wainwright’s company, TheRealReal, also founded in the Bay Area, is the premier online site for luxury consignment with over 600 employees across the United States.
The Princess Project celebration featured a fashion show from teens who received their dresses from the organization this year. In 2017, The Princess Project’s San Francisco chapter gave away more than 3,000 dresses.
How it works:
Each year The Princess Project seeks and receives hundreds of dresses from individual donors, corporations and fundraisers. Once all the dresses and accessories are in, volunteers organize them for the dress giveaway event, typically held in March. The Princess Project reaches out to local teens and invites them to come and find their perfect dress. Students must bring a high school student ID card for entry. No proof of financial need is required.
How to Donate:
Click here for a list of donation locations. The Princess Project accepts:
• Prom dresses, formal gowns, fancy party dresses, jewelry, and shoes
• New or like new in excellent condition
• Purchased in the last 5 years
• Cleaned and on hangers
The Princess Project sends teens off to prom in style — all for free!