It’s prom season for Long Beach Unified high school students, and this year, dozens of families flocked to a local boutique to find the perfect dresses, suits and accessories—all for free.

The event was hosted by Councilmember Al Austin, who represents District 8, to take the burden and expense of buying prom attire off of families who may struggle to afford it.

Over 150 LBUSD seniors and their families lined up outside of AndyLiz boutique in Bixby Knolls on Wednesday night where they were able to look through racks of prom dresses in all colors, sizes and styles; high heels, earrings and necklaces; and even some men’s suits to look their best on prom night.

LBUSD high school students pick out shoes for prom during a free prom pop-up shop at AndyLiz boutique on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.

Ruben Garrett, a Wilson High School student, had his eyes set on something green. While the men’s selection was much smaller than the hundreds of dresses available, he was able to walk away with a dapper suit jacket.

His mother, Danielle, couldn’t hide the pride on her face as she watched her son try on his prom attire. Ruben is her oldest son and the first in his immediate family to graduate high school.

“I didn’t get to go to prom or even graduate, so seeing him happy means everything to me,” she said. “As a single mom, this is incredibly helpful.”

The free prom pop-up event, part of District 8’s Gener8 Kindness initiative, was an idea brought forward by an intern at Austin’s office who says it was inspired by her own prom story.

During her senior year of high school in 2017, Karla Silva was grappling with her parents’ recent divorce and didn’t know how she would financially afford the seemingly endless string of senior events, graduations, and regalia—not to mention finding a prom dress.

Luckily, with the help of her family members, they were able to pitch in to help her.

Isabella Meader, from Ernest McBride High School, looks for an elegant ’50s-inspired dress with her mother during the free prom pop-up shop at AndyLiz boutique on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.

“That meant so much to me and I wanted to make sure that everyone goes to prom,” said Silva.

The dresses, suits and accessories at Wednesday’s pop-up were donated by the community. Students had hundreds of options to choose from.

When Silva stopped by AndyLiz boutique a few weeks ago to ask if it would be possible to host the event there, the owner, Candice Hofer, jumped at the opportunity.

“I almost started crying earlier watching everyone be so happy,” she said. “It goes to show how much of an impact giving away one of your items, that you will probably never wear again, to kids who really need it.”

Since the event was announced, Hofer says she received calls from high schools in different cities that have asked how they too could host a prom pop-up event.

Councilmember Austin greeted families as they came in and hyped them for the upcoming dance.

“I’ve seen schools from all around come out and I am very happy to see the turnout,” he said. “I hope we can make it a recurring event in the future.”

Lissette Landeros excitedly finds the perfect dress for her during the free prom pop-up shop at AndyLiz boutique in Long Beach on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.

For LBUSD students, this is their first in-person prom since the COVID-19 pandemic began and many said they feel lucky to be attending.

Yajaira Madrid, a Jordan High School student, said she would be inviting her sister, who graduated in 2020, and was not able to attend her own prom.

She walked away with an elegant red dress and her friend, Melissa Lima, took home a sparkly, floor-length gold gown.

“Being part of a low-income household sometimes it’s hard to ask for luxurious things like this but we are so grateful for this,” said Madrid.

According to Silva, the remaining dresses will be donated to local high school students who may not have been able to attend the pop-up.

Noah Skinner stretches in his new suit to make sure it fits during the free prom pop-up shop hosted by Councilmemeber Al Austin at AndyLiz Boutique on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.