As most teens and parents know, prom costs can add up. Owatonna moms are taking charge to help make Prom an equal opportunity for all. O-Town Glam, organized by Ceila Anderson, is hosting a free Prom event for girls on April 27 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. This event gives girls the opportunity to get their hair, makeup and nails done by volunteers and professionals, all free of charge. With the help of the volunteers and a breakfast donation from Owatonna Hy-Vee, O-Town Glam hopes to successfully make everyone’s Prom experience special.
Ms. Anderson was inspired to start O-Town Glam after a night of reminiscing about her Prom. Growing up without a lot of money, she recalled her struggles finding a dress and everything else that is needed for Prom. She felt her Prom was not all it could have been. Ms. Anderson said, “We could make a difference in the community by having an event where anyone can go, whether you need it financially or you just want to go.” She wants to be a part of the girls having fun and feeling good on Prom night without stress.
After posting on the local Owatonna Moms Facebook group about her idea, she got instant feedback. Ms. Sarah Radtke and Ms. Katelynn Kay are working alongside Ms. Anderson and have been getting together in order to make this all possible. As of now, there are a total of 25 volunteers. Between all the moms, there will be enough hairstyling products, donated makeup, and brand-new makeup from Community Pathways to cover the people who decide to show up. The girls are welcome to bring their own makeup as well.
On top of hair, makeup and nails, they will also have a professional photographer, Laura Charles from Laura Charles Photography, as well as corsages and boutonnieres made by Ms. Radtke.
O-Town Glam has an RSVP sheet with a QR code; on the sheet, you will be asked what you would like to get done. This link will close on April 15. Ms. Anderson said, “The more, the merrier.” “We would never turn a girl away if someone forgot to sign up and still wanted to come. That would be perfectly fine.” The girls can pick what time slot they want to come to.
Collaborating with Community Pathways, all the dresses that were donated are now at Community Pathways. There are about 200 dresses still available.
For anyone who wants to volunteer, or hear more about O-Town Glam, there is a Facebook group available to join. Donations can also be made to their Venmo account.