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The 5th Annual Gowns for Crowns Prom Dress Expo, held on March 15, 2025, at The Obici House in Suffolk, VA, was a resounding success. It brought together hundreds of high school girls from Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina for an unforgettable prom-prep experience.

The event, which continues to grow in both size and impact, provided over 500 free prom dresses, accessories, and styling assistance to help young women prepare for one of the most memorable nights of their high school careers. The expo, affectionately welcoming the participants as “Crown Jewels,” was founded to ensure that every girl, regardless of financial background, feels confident, celebrated, and valued.

Organized by Candace Credle and Tamiya Davis, the event goes beyond offering just a dress—it offers an experience that promotes self-worth and empowerment. “We created Gowns for Crowns to offer more than just a dress—we offer an experience that builds confidence, uplifts spirits, and reminds each young lady that she is worthy of being celebrated,” said the event’s founders.

This year’s expo included personal styling assistance, plenty of photo opportunities, and an abundance of smiles and excitement. Thanks to the generosity of community sponsors such as The Obici House, MyStorage, C3 Concierge, TD Capital Service Productions, KeyasKoutureEvents, CoastLive, 13 NEWS NOW, Z104, Karen Jenkins, and KRich Productions, the event was able to provide these services to the attendees free of charge. Volunteers also played a role, offering their time and support to ensure the day ran smoothly and was unforgettable for all involved.

Parents and guardians expressed their heartfelt gratitude, noting that the event alleviated financial burdens and created lasting memories with their daughters. “This is such a special experience, and it’s hard to put into words how thankful we are,” one parent shared.

As prom season approaches, participants are encouraged to share their prom night photos on social media using the hashtags #gownsforcrowns and #gownsforcrowns25. Following prom, attendees are invited to donate their gowns back to the initiative, ensuring that future “Crown Jewels” can benefit from the same generous support.

Gowns for Crowns continues to make a meaningful impact, offering much more than just a dress—it offers a chance for young women to feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated.