BY JULIE LEVIN
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
For most girls, going to the high school prom is a once-in-a-lifetime, dream-come-true event. One local college is working to make sure financial worries don't put those dreams out of reach.
Florida Career College is offering low-income teens gift certificates for a free hairstyle, nail and makeup service on the day of the big event.
``Memories of your high school prom last a lifetime and every girl deserves to look fabulous on that special day,'' said Theresa Jacobs, the college's director of cosmetology.
The FCC Lauderdale Lakes campus is partnering with Becca's Closet to help pamper girls on prom day. Becca's Closet provides dresses to high school students who want to attend the prom or homecoming, but can't afford dresses on their own.
Becca's Closet is a national, nonprofit organization created to honor the efforts of 16-year-old Rebecca Kirtman, a Davie honor student and cheerleader who died in a 2003 car accident. Before she died, Becca single-handedly collected and distributed more than 250 prom dresses to needy girls in South Florida. Today, there are Becca's Closet chapters in more than 30 states.
Jay Kirtman, Becca's father and the chairman of Becca's Closet, said the program anticipates donating an estimated 1,000 prom dresses this year, just from its South Florida chapter, based at the Festival Flea Market in Pompano Beach. The girls also receive matching shoes.
In May, every girl who leaves Becca's Closet with a gown will also receive a certificate for hair, nail and makeup treatment at the Florida Career College's newly opened spa.
``We knew May was prom month, so we wanted to help make as many dreams come true as possible,'' said Barbara Hewitt, a marketing assistant with the college.
The new facility, which opened in March, offers services to the public for below-retail prices. All services and treatments are handled by students in the college's School of Cosmetology under the supervision of instructors.
Students in the year-long cosmetology program are not allowed to work on the public unless they have completed half the program. Instructors say working with teenagers gives students hands-on training and more.
``I want the students to get connected with the community and reach out, so that our school is known not only for great education, but also as contributor to the community,'' Jacobs said.
Girls interested in a dress are encouraged to make an appointment either online at www.bec cascloset.org or by calling 954-424-9999.
The Spa at Florida Career College is at 3383 N. State Road 7 in Lauderdale Lakes. Appointments are required for each prom makeover. For an appointment, call 877-250-6772. For more information about Florida Career College, visit careercollege.edu.
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