Anna Kaplan

As a young girl growing up, I always loved playing in my mother’s closet, trying on dresses, and searching for the perfect bag and shoes. Looking into the mirror, I felt like a princess. Now, as a student at Northern Valley Demarest High School, prom is the most anticipated event of the year. When I heard someone was unable to attend prom because they could not afford a dress, I wanted to help and make sure prom was available to everyone. I emailed family, friends, and people in my community asking them to search their closets. The response was tremendous, and 30 dresses were donated. I cleaned, and sorted the dresses by size and color, and matched shoes and accessories to make the outfit complete. When I delivered the dresses and accessories to Paterson High School in New Jersey, I knew the students would be able to go to prom in style. This was the start of Wish Upon A Prom. 

 Olivia Kaplan

While growing up with my older sister Anna we both felt a need to help

those in need of Prom clothing for students who were less fortunate. 

I learned firsthand that not everyone could afford the luxury of a new 

prom outfit along with accessories to match. This realization struck a 

chord, and I knew we had to act together and make a difference. 

Teaming up with Anna, we founded Wish Upon a Prom—a heartfelt 

charity dedicated to gathering both gently used and new prom attire. 

The mission is to donate these treasures to those in less fortunate areas, 

ensuring every teen could experience the magic of prom, regardless of 

their financial situation. Upon learning that someone was unable to 

attend prom due to financial difficulties I felt compelled to assist in 

making prom accessible to everybody. To date, we have collected over 

100 dresses with matching accessories. As a result of the overwhelming 

reaction, our organization is on track to dress hundreds of students for 

prom each year! Please help if you can to make a student look and feel 

beautiful.