For many young women preparing to graduate high school, there are few evenings more important than prom night. But for some, the cost of looking fabulous — buying a dress, flowers, hairstyling and accessories — can be too steep.

That’s why WHIP, Temple’s student run radio station, in conjunction with its original show “Fabulously Focused” and host Melanie Martin, held a prom dress drive that helped 21 young women find the perfect gown. Held in the Student Center Underground on Sunday, Feb. 28, the drive brought local high school seniors, Temple students and professional stylists together to help prepare the girls for their special night.

Martin, a Temple senior Communications major, says she organized the drive to give less fortunate young women a night of their own.

“Some of these girls have been in the worst of situations, and the drive was a way of letting them know that they’re important, that people are paying attention and care about them,” she said.

The girls had their pick from among 53 dresses, all of which were donated by Page Six boutique in Skippack, Pa. Professional stylist Kia Wongus, of Totally Posh Boutique in Manayunk, helped the seniors sort through the dresses, offering fashion advice and accessory suggestions.

A professional cosmetic artist was also on hand to share tips and suggestions for the girls, who were offered a free make-up application by Temple students. In addition, WHIP provided a DJ, food and raffle prizes for the drive, which was open to the public.

Martin, who has extended the “Fabulously Focused” brand as an online magazine, said the drive helps advance her overall mission to promote empowerment and beauty to young women. The idea was borne of her experience as a student in Upward Bound, a pre-college program at Temple that motivates students from local high schools to pursue higher education.

“I feel that I was privileged growing up, and when I came to Temple I really wanted to help young women in the area feel the same way,” said Martin. “It’s about taking ordinary girls and highlighting their extraordinary qualities.”

—Kyle Bagenstose