For many girls, prom night is the highlight of their high school career (aside from graduation, of course). The search for the dress can turn into a year-long quest for the perfect color and cut. While this can be the most memorable aspect for young women, their parents often remember the price tag.
The Key, a ministry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, made the hunt for the perfect dress easier and more economical for Cazenovia High School junior and senior girls this season.
“We get a large assortment of dresses around March and April. Lots of young girls come in and have a good time trying them on. The prices are great and the colors are wild,” said manager Chris Tallet. “We have a little bit of everything. Some of them are vintage and some are very modern, but everyone has their own individual taste, so it’s nice to be able to offer a large selection.”
Junior prom falls on May 14 this year, with Senior Ball following on June 3. For many, the dates have been asked and dress has been bought. Those who visited The Key during their search were offered an array of styles and sizes, all for prices that were a fraction of the cost at specialty stores.
Many dresses are only used just once before they are confined to corners of closets, recycling the garments benefit more than just the buyers. The formal gowns were donated by area residents over the course of preceding months. The Key features about 20 dresses in the store at 66 Albany St. Executive Director Chris Wnorowski said that about 10 dresses have been sold to area students, for prices ranging from $40 to $200.
In December 2010, The Key celebrated 50 years of operation. Originally located within St. Peter’s Church, the shop moved to numerous spots around the village, inhabiting five other storefronts before settling into their current location on Albany Street. The Key’s two floors of previously-owned garments and home furnishings provide residents with an affordable alternative to department stores.
“Our goal of the ministry is to provide gently used clothing and housewares for people at a reasonable price. After our expenses, all the profits go back into community organizations,” Wnorowski said. “We want to provide as much assistance as possible to residents of Cazenovia and the surrounding areas.”
To learn more about The Key or join the growing 43-volunteer workforce, visit their location on Albany Street or call 655-3956. Additional information and consignment guidelines can be found online at thekeyconsignment.com.
