Donations being accepted for 10th annual Young Women Prom Event aimed to empower youth

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — As many high schoolers prepare for prom in the upcoming months, a special event is helping provide formal apparel and empower young women for their big night.

Honolulu City Council member Andria Tupola, founder of the annual Young Women Prom Event, joined HNN’s Sunrise Weekends to talk about the 10th annual event which strengthens the message that young girls should feel beautiful inside and outside. The event is free for families and all ages..

“You know this event is like a milestone, prom, right it’s the thing you go to that you’re looking forward to and there’s a lot of decisions that can be made about prom.. we want to empower girls to feel good about themselves, go with people who also treat them with respect, that honor who they are, take care of them and so these messages are important to me,” Tupola said.

Attendees can hear from inspirational speakers, win prizes and take home a free dress, shoes and jewelry. Speakers will include Kamalani Dung, a professional softball player, and Shellie Paiva, the first woman SWAT Commander for the Honolulu Police Department. Emcees include Sanoe Tuitele, former Miss Plus World 2019 and Relda Keliikoa, a community advocate.

The Young Women Prom Event was started in 2015 on the westside of Oahu to increase self respect and worth among teenage girls through the words of confident women, fashion and empowering actions.

This year’s theme is “Women of Strength!” and honors the life of Theresa Cachuela, a mother and social media influencer who was killed by her husband in a case of domestic violence. Cachuela helped organize the Young Women Prom Event and worked to empower young women in the community.

Tupola is asking folks to drop off donations of formal gowns, dresses, shoes and jewelry at Hawaii Self Storage Kapolei West at 2009 Lauwiliwili St. until Feb. 27.

The event takes place on March 1st, starting at 7 p.m. at New Hope Oahu.

To register or donate, visit youngwomenpromevent.com.

Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.