New England’s Largest Dress Drive Helps Girls Get Ready for Prom
Caring Partners’ Belle of the Ball prom dress drive ensures every junior and senior high school girl who needs a prom dress can get one.
The invitation-only Belle of the Ball “Boutique Day” experience invites deserving, pre-qualified girls to enjoy a day of shopping for a prom gown and some personal pampering.
This year, more than 1,800 girls were invited to browse thousands of dry-cleaned dresses of various colors, sizes, and styles.
Arthur Anton Jr., COO of Anton’s Cleaners and a founder of Belle of the Ball, said, “As we approach an incredible 100,000 prom dresses collected and cleaned, we are proud to remain true to our mission: Every high school girl should have the experience of feeling beautiful,” he said in a statement sent to 7 News Boston. “When finances are tight, and every dollar counts, Belle of the Ball ensures that every student who wants to attend prom will have the perfect prom ensemble to wear.”
As of March 2025, more than 7,303 girls have been outfitted for prom since Belle of the Ball began 20 years ago. Since the start of Belle of the Ball, Anton’s has donated more than $4.2 million in dry cleaning services.
Monetary and in-kind donations from generous donors are welcome to help girls pay for jewelry, makeup, and other accessories and prom-related services. To make a financial donation to Caring Partners, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, visit Anton’s Cleaners website.
