Dresses for Dreams drive & fashion show becomes a huge success thanks to community support.

In partnership with community members and organizations, the NOPD collected more than 100 dresses for 60 junior and senior high school girls to choose from for their prom this year.

NOPD Fourth District Officer Qiana Lewis first started collecting dresses last year with the help of sorority Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Omicron Nu Zeta Chapter, where she provided 25 high school seniors from Algiers Charter Technological Academy with prom dresses.

This year, officer Qiana partnered with local entrepreneurs, entertainers, Sen.Troy Carter and NOPD school resource officers to expand the drive and seek donations from the community. Because of those efforts and partnerships, we were able to provide dresses for girls attending 10 different schools in the state and host an event fashion show which was held this past Saturday (April 7) at the Alice Harte Charter school.

60 girls not only received a free prom dress, but they were also given the option to get their hair and make-up done by volunteered stylists and artists. Students were also given the opportunity to hit the runway and show off their gowns to their family and friends in attendance. During the event, Chief Harrison and Senator Carter also shared words of motivation and encouragement to the students. 

The fashion event was sponsored by The New Orleans Police Department, Carter, iHeart Media, InspireNOLA Charter Schools, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Anointed Cutts by Sam and Face by Jiya Janae. 

The NOPD continues to stay committed to implementing new community initiatives that help officers build relationships within the community, especially with the youth.