Evanston Woman's Club and Ivy Pearl Team Up for Free Prom Dress Giveaway

Annual 'Dreams Delivered' program provides personalized prom experience for students across Chicagoland

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:08pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a single, iconic prom dress in bright neon shades, conceptually representing the inclusive and empowering experience of the Dreams Delivered program.The Dreams Delivered prom dress giveaway transforms the Woman's Club of Evanston into a vibrant celebration of community, confidence, and the joy of high school milestones.Evanston Today

The Woman's Club of Evanston and the Ivy Pearl Foundation are hosting their 18th annual 'Dreams Delivered' program, where any student can receive a free prom dress and accessories. The event, held in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, has provided over 1,000 prom ensembles to students across the Chicagoland area over the years.

Why it matters

The Dreams Delivered program aims to ensure all students, regardless of financial background, can experience the joy and confidence of attending their high school prom. By providing free dresses, shoes, and accessories, the event removes a significant financial barrier and allows students to focus on creating lasting memories.

The details

The Woman's Club of Evanston clubhouse is transformed into a prom boutique for the event, where attendees are assigned a personal shopper to help them find the perfect dress, shoes, and jewelry - all at no cost. Volunteers from the Woman's Club and Ivy Pearl Foundation work to sort, label, and maintain the hundreds of donated dresses stored in the clubhouse basement. This year, a 'glam squad' will also be available to add sparkly accents to dresses.

  • The Dreams Delivered program is in its 18th year, with the 16th collaboration between the Woman's Club and Ivy Pearl Foundation.
  • The event will take place on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Woman's Club of Evanston

A local community organization that has hosted the Dreams Delivered prom dress giveaway for the past 18 years.

Ivy Pearl Foundation

A non-profit organization that has partnered with the Woman's Club for the past 16 years to provide free prom dresses and accessories to students.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Chi Omega Chapter

A sorority that collaborates with the Woman's Club and Ivy Pearl Foundation on the Dreams Delivered program.

Chris Gretchko

The Dreams Delivered committee chair at the Woman's Club of Evanston.

Elaine Lev

The president of the Woman's Club of Evanston.

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What they’re saying

“The first time I ever came to Dreams Delivered it literally was like walking into a bridal boutique.”

— Elaine Lev, President, Woman's Club of Evanston

“Volunteers from our organization don't just donate their time, they serve as personal shoppers assisting each student to find something that makes them feel confident, celebrated, and ready for one of the most memorable nights of their lives.”

— Kesha Burch Sims, President, Ivy Pearl Foundation

“We're the type of business that wants to do good for other people.”

— Ken Davis, Owner, Kenny the Kleener

What’s next

The Dreams Delivered boutique will be open to students on Sunday, April 13, 2026. Interested students can sign up online to reserve a spot and receive a personalized prom shopping experience.

The takeaway

The Dreams Delivered program demonstrates the power of community collaboration to remove financial barriers and ensure all students can access the joy and confidence of attending their high school prom. By providing free dresses, accessories, and personalized shopping assistance, the event creates an inclusive and empowering experience for young people across Chicagoland.