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News Releases » MPUSD Hosts Second Annual Upcycled Prom Closet to Support Students in Style

MPUSD Hosts Second Annual Upcycled Prom Closet to Support Students in Style

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2025
CONTACT: Marci McFadden | 831.706.6971

MPUSD Hosts Second Annual Upcycled Prom Closet to Support Students in Style
**Media invited to cover the event on March 8, 2025, as well as any assistance in promotion of the donation drive.**

Seaside, CA - The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District announces the return of its Upcycled Prom Closet event, providing students at its three comprehensive high schools - Marina High School, Monterey High School, and Seaside High School - as well as guests from Central Coast High School with the opportunity to attend prom in style. The event will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Avenue, Seaside, CA.

The MPUSD Upcycled Prom Closet offers FREE prom dresses, suits, and accessories to all MPUSD students who may not have the resources to purchase attire for their special night. This initiative ensures that every student can experience the magic of prom, feeling confident and stylish in a full ensemble. As part of the event, the district will host a raffle for students free of charge by giving away donations from the community to help keep students’ costs down.

“We are committed to supporting student success through equitable opportunities and community partnerships,” said Board of Education Member Maiaika Velazquez, who established this initiative in 2024. “Events like the Upcycled Prom Closet reflect our dedication to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every student feels valued and celebrated.” 

MPUSD acknowledges the cost of attending prom quickly adds up with tickets, clothing, preparing in advance with haircuts, hairstyles, nails, etc. This event is an effort to make prom affordable for all MPUSD students. Additionally, by supporting prom drives like MPUSD’s, the Princess Project, and others, the district is not only keeping textiles out of landfills in alignment with California's Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707), but it is also teaching valuable lessons on saving money and maximizing value, all while supporting the same local businesses that make these drives possible.

Call to Action: Donations Needed
To make this event a success, MPUSD is seeking donations from the community. 

  • New or gently used prom dresses, suits, tuxedos, and accessories, including handbags, shoes, ties, and other formal attire. 
  • Monetary donations for the district to purchase new suits or tuxedo rentals.
  • Gift card or gift certificate donations to local clothing stores are greatly appreciated, as they will be raffled off to students during the event, allowing them to purchase items that best fit their needs. Additionally, the district is seeking donations of gift cards or store credit from dry cleaners, restaurants, florists, nail salons, hair salons, or similar businesses to help students cover essential expenses like dry cleaning, dinner, corsages, and boutonnieres—ensuring that every student can fully enjoy their special night.

Donations can be dropped off at the District Office (if a community member is not able to deliver items to the District Office, they may drop them off at one of our high schools):

MPUSD District Office
700 Pacific Avenue
Monterey, CA
831.645.1204

Contributions will directly impact students' ability to attend prom with pride and confidence.

For more information or to arrange larger donation drop-offs, please contact Board of Education Member Maiaika Velazquez [email protected] at or Janet Ash in the Superintendent of School’s Office at 831.645.1204 or [email protected]. 

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