The event center at Wind Creek was alive with savvy student shoppers looking to purchase the perfect prom dress at the 19th annual pop-up prom shop March 28.

Customers started to line up as early as 6:45 a.m. for the 8 a.m. opening and within the first hour over 100 shoppers had poured inside.

Prom dresses in every size, design and assorted colors are available for local high school students at this one day, yearly event. Donated dresses are gently used or brand-new; some still have manufacture price tags. Each participant is permitted to buy up to two dresses — all gowns costing $20. Girls are given “The Prom Guide: Quick tips and tricks,” as well as free accessories and makeup.

Wind Creek employee Susan Stachowski volunteers at this event yearly. “It’s such a fun event — the girls are so excited as they find the dress of their dreams!”

Stachowski wasn’t the only volunteer. Employees from PPL, Highmark and Wind Creek were on hand to assist.

Tara, a senior from Freedom High School, exclaimed “I’ve gone to two proms and I bought both dresses from the Pop-up Prom Shop -it’s always so much fun and I save so much money!”

The event was hosted by the Bethlehem YWCA and sponsored by Highmark Blue, Wind Creek, PPL, Crayola, Members 1st Credit Union and Venture X. In-Kind Support was provided by Walgreens, Wegmans, Adam Meyer Moving & Storage, Working Dog Press, Joyful Giving, Whispering Beauty and other contributors.

The YWCA uses the profits from this event to support their mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Proceeds are invested into the YWCA Youth Empowerment Programs and other programming that benefit young women, teenagers and the Lehigh Valley.