Tulsa group helps make the prom an event to remember

If you've noticed a lot of teens in tuxes lately, you're probably aware it's prom season. The high school tradition is a memorable one, but also can be painful with all the pressure placed

Thursday, April 6th 2006, 10:24 am

By: News On 6

If you've noticed a lot of teens in tuxes lately, you're probably aware it's prom season. The high school tradition is a memorable one, but also can be painful with all the pressure placed on going all out.

It's caused some schools across the nation to declare these formals, 'informal' to try and combat the high costs. News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin explains how one Tulsa group is opening its doors so everyone can afford to go to prom.

"Prom is one of the biggest things you'll ever have in your high school career. It's just the big last blast, and it's real important I think." Wendy Owen is just one of the people helping Green Country girls who are less fortunate get the chance to feel like Cinderella, even if it's just for one night. â€œWe don't want girls who are in financial hardship to feel like I can't go, I don't have that money. Our dresses are free, they've been donated, they've been cleaned, some are brand new and still have the tags on them."

It was all started by 16-year old Rebecca Kirtman, a Florida teen who wanted every girl to feel like she could go to prom, even if she couldn't afford to buy a dress.

Tragically, Rebecca was killed in a car accident. Now her friends and family carry on her dream across the nation for girls in need.

Jennifer Wood says she was asked to the prom and thought she might have to say no. "I felt kinda bad, cause they were like, how come you wouldn't go and I was like, I don't know if we can afford it yet." Wood says her family is still recovering from a devastating fire. While they now have a new home, she said prom was out of the question. "We couldn't really afford the nice dresses and stuff, we looked and all the prices were so high."

But with some help from Becca's Closet she feels like the belle of the ball. "It's pretty exciting." Wendy Owen: "It is so rewarding. They just get tickled." Owen says it's all about Becca's favorite saying, 'little things can make a big difference.'

Jennifer Wood: â€œIt's nice. I love it." Becca's Closet offers prom formals at no cost to girls who really are in financial need. Organizers say they couldn't do it without all the support from the Tulsa community.

Becca's Closet also accept dress donations.

All calls are confidential. For more information call 645-7290.