Bridesmaid dresses donated for Ohio prom-goers

EAST CLEVELAND (AP) — Dozens of girls at an Ohio school have the prom dresses they needed thanks to a teacher who asked co-workers and friends to check their closets.

Faith DeCesare rounded up 70 former bridesmaid’s gowns for students at Apex Academy Charter School in East Cleveland. She sent out an e-mail asking people she knew if they had slightly used gowns left over from weddings, and they in turn contacted others.

Each dress donor will receive a thank you note along with a photo of the gown being worn at the school’s May 22 eighth-grade prom.

Others have provided jewelry and shoes for the students. The school is hoping a dry cleaning business will donate its services to freshen up the gowns for their big night.