Iowa City's Project Prom Extended, with Two Additional Events this Week

Media Release

Iowa City's "Project Prom," a recycling-inspired, eco-friendly event that encouraged people to donate their gently used prom dresses so that girls attending prom this year could find their perfect dress (for FREE!) has been such a great success that the event has been extended. Prom-goers are encouraged to stop by the East Side Recycling Center's Environmental Education Center at 2401 Scott Blvd. in Iowa City on Tuesday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to noon, to select a dress from the more than 100 gowns that remain.

One of the shoppers who made it to the first session last Saturday sent a follow-up e-mail to thank organizers: "I got my perfect prom dress today at Project Prom, and it was my dream dress."
Organizers state there are many dream dresses still remaining, in a variety ofstyles, colors, and sizes.

Jennifer Jordan, the City of Iowa City's Recycling Coordinator, said Project Prom had received over 150 dress donations. Sponsored by the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center and community member Mary Palmberg, the event is modeled after similar events being held across Iowa. The project not only helps save students money -- prom dresses can cost hundreds of dollars -- but also helps people think about recycling in new ways, Jordan said. 

"Recycling isn't limited to milk jugs and newspapers," she said. "By encouraging people to clean out their closets and donate prom dresses that they will no longer use, we are showing how far-reaching recycling can be. People throw things away every day that could be recycled, repurposed, and used by others. This project focuses on promwear, but the same is true for housewares, furniture, and other items that come into the Landfill on a daily basis. These items still have value and purpose. We should think of other ways they can be used rather than just throwing them away."

For more information on Project Prom, contact Mary Palmberg at palmberg@avalon.net or 319/400-0388.