More than 70 people dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos celebrated the fifth annual prom for Tyler youth from foster care at the Lake Tyler Petroleum Club on March 4. BCFS Health and Human Services-Tyler along with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the Child Welfare Boards of Camp, Russ and Franklin counties put on the Carnival in Wonderland prom. Courtesy

More than 70 people dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos celebrated the fifth annual prom for Tyler youth from foster care at the Lake Tyler Petroleum Club on March 4.

BCFS Health and Human Services-Tyler along with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the Child Welfare Boards of Camp, Russ and Franklin counties put on the Carnival in Wonderland prom.

For weeks leading up to the prom, BCFS-Tyler’s Project Cinderella evening wear drive encouraged people across the community to donate gently used women’s gowns, shoes and jewelry to help the youth look their best for the prom.

Men’s Wearhouse, the Brides and Belles of Tyler boutique and several local donors answered BCFS-Tyler’s call to help outfit the youth with formal wear.

BCFS-Tyler raised funds for some young women to shop for their own dresses or accessories.

Ultimately, the organization provided 37 young women and 41 young men with formalwear to dance the night away at prom.

“It was a magical evening that left the youth feeling like they were on top of the world,” BCFS-Tyler Director Carla McCalopesaid. “One boy said that this was the best night of his life, and a girl said it was her best day ever. Our donors and community partners really helped make the prom especially memorable for our youth.”

Generous donations from Complete Events DJ & Photography, Novedades Luly event decorations, and Candies, Funnel Cakes & Moore helped complete the prom night ambiance.

“Many of the youth we serve pursue their educations in nontraditional ways like charter schools, GED programs or online courses where prom just isn’t an option,” Ms. McCalope said. “Though their circumstances are very unique, we try to offer them opportunities to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like prom, that other young people may take for granted.”

BCFS Health and Human Services-Tyler serves youth in and aging out of foster care, as well as other young adults facing challenges such as homelessness and poverty, or those recovering from physical and emotional abuse.

BCFS-Tyler provides counseling, case management, and assistance with education, employment, housing location and medical care.

For more information about BCFS-Tyler, to volunteer or make a donation, visit DiscoverBCFS.net/Tyler or call 903-526-0882.