Naomi's Inn : Belle of the Ball

SPRINGFIELD, MA - While division and animosity seem to resonate in recent headlines and news stories in Springfield, one group is using their diversity as a source of strength. The Springfield Women’s Committee (an ad-hoc division of the Springfield City Council), The Spirit of Women (Baystate Medical Center), The Greater Springfield Chapter of the Links, Inc., and the Latino Chamber of Commerce, are pooling their resources for the Springfield version of “Belle of the Ball”.

“Belle of the Ball” is a concept that has been very successful in inner cities throughout New England. The group is collecting occasion dresses and accessories and then offering them, at no cost, to girls in Springfield who would like to attend their senior prom and would otherwise not be able to afford the necessary attire. Dresses and accessories can be dropped of at Naomi’s Inn, 20 Springfield Street in Springfield, any day, 24 hours per day and at Mall Services at Eastfield Mall, Boston Road in Springfield, anytime during mall hours through Apr. 13. Additional drop-off locations include Dunbar Community Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Latino Chamber Of Commerce and the Jewish Community Center. Drop offs at these sites can be made on Mar. 25 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Apr. 13 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Girls from the area, recommended by their guidance counselors, will then be invited to a follow-up event where they "shop" in a boutique atmosphere. Each will have an “appointment” in a private suite at Naomi’s Inn. They will shop in a Victorian Setting, have tea as they wait for their appointment, and the event culminates in taking the dress and accessories of their choice home free of charge – wrapped in plastic with a “Belle of the Ball” receipt.

“We all have that dress that was worn once or twice to some wedding or party hanging in the closet; this is the perfect occasion to pull it out for,” said Kateri Walsh, of the Springfield City Council.

If you have dresses or accessories that could make a young girls dreams about her senior prom come true, please take this opportunity to become a part of the positive changes we're seeing of late in the City of Springfield and donate - it's free and it feels great!

The girls will be invited to show off their chosen dress at a special fashion show at Eastfield Mall on Saturday, May 10 at 4:00 p.m. Each participant will enjoy a day of pampering prior to the show where they will each receive a special prom hairstyle and makeup application to complement their dress. The event is free of charge and open to the public.