Princess Program: Making teenage dreams come true

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: ISTOCK (MOUSTACHEGIRL)
The Princess Program aims to give everyone a successful prom outfit.

Prom is one of the most memorable nights in many of our lives. Whether it was for the best or the worst.

For some families however, finding the money to pay a couple hundred dollars for a grad or prom dress is not possible.

The Princess Program allows all girls and boys to experience their prom and grade eight grad in formal wear free of charge.

Applicants must be vetted by a teacher, principal, or anyone else who can verify that the student is in fact in need.

Veronica Hosszu, owner of Elizabeth Noel on Richmond Street, started the Princess Program back in 2014.

The initiative originally began by partnering with Children’s Aid to find students in need, but these days, Hosszu receives suggestions from the community and school principals to help identify students who may be eligible to take part.

“Once [recipients] have been vetted, they come in for a private appointment with me,” Hosszu said. “They have the full shopping experience.”

Despite its title, the Princess Program spans across all genders. For those who need or would prefer a tux, Colin’s Formal Wear works with Hosszu to provide tux rentals for anyone who wishes to feel like a prince.

Hosszu said she continues to help these girls and boys since it makes her happy seeing them light up.

“I think it was the second fitting I did and this girl went through the whole process and got her dress [and] she started crying. I asked her ‘my love, why are you crying this a great thing?’... she told me this will be the first new thing she will ever own,” Hosszu said.

Elizabeth Noel store manager Shanna Shelly, expressed how important prom and grad is to these students that come in.

“It’s such a big milestone. They are going on to the next big chapter in their life. You know they start to realize that soon they aren’t kids or teenagers any more, they are growing up. It’s a time for them to have a night of fun,” Shelly said. “People in the olden days like the 1800’s would have all these balls to go to and get all dolled up. Times have changed. There are only so many times nowadays you can dress up so formal. Prom and grad are one of those days.”

This year in conjunction with Elizabeth Noel’s 50th anniversary, they are putting together an adult prom, which will also help the Princess Program.

The adult prom, a 19+ event will include drag queens, music, and lots of fun fashion. It’s a night for those who want to re-live their prom night or re-do their prom night. On top of that, the funds go towards the Princess Program to help others enjoy their prom.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased in store or online through Elizabeth Noel London’s Facebook page or elizabethnoel.com. is helping to make prom a reality for many in the community.