Free New or Vintage Prom Outfits are Available to Students Affected by the LA Fires
This article was originally published April 9, 2025 on laist.com.
High school seniors who were affected by January’s firestorm are invited to stop by The Paseo in Pasadena this weekend for a full — and completely free — prom shopping experience.
Jazzy Jam for Empowerment, a Pasadena-based nonprofit in association with Jazzy Jam Glam, has collected thousands of dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry and accessories for students to pick from so they can feel their best for the big dance.
Jacqueline Snell, founder and president, told LAist that it’s designed to be a safe space where the more than 1,100 seniors who were directly affected by the fires can feel beautiful and be celebrated for their milestone.
“We are here to let you know that these new clothes [are] just a new introduction to your new walk of life and your new change,” she said. “ So let us dress you, let us provide for you emotional support as you move on to a new destiny.”
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How it works
The double ground floor units — one side for suits and the other dedicated to dresses — look and feel like a boutique.
Once you enter past the red velvet stanchions, students are greeted and matched with a professional stylist or personal shopper. They’ve volunteered to be your guide through the racks and drawers of clothes, pulling pieces that fit your style and size, with options ranging from extra small to plus.
Most of the items are brand new from companies like Lulus, Macy’s and DSL, to name a few.
But movie studios and costume designers have also donated a few racks worth of vintage and couture clothing, including a dress from the movie "Great Gatsby", which was snagged by a Pasadena High School student for their “Gatsby Gala” prom theme.
“ We made sure that we carefully went through things that people lovingly gave to make sure that they were ready to go and they were worthy to present to our kids,” Snell said.
There’s new jewelry, shoes, undergarments and bags up for grabs with the dresses, as well as suspenders, ties and hankies on the suit side. Jazzy Jam also recently started offering alterations thanks to tailors who donated their time and sewing skills.
“It's not something we do every day, but we figured it out,” Snell said.
How we got here
Jazzy Jam has been providing dresses for four years and suits for two, but Snell, a proud third-generation Pasadena resident, said she lost everything in the fires.
She said she “knew that we had to keep going” despite being displaced.
“When we were asked to partner with other organizations to do it, and when we were thinking about it, of course,” she said. “Welcome. You're just an added guest.”
Before Snell knew it, people were coming out of the woodwork to see how they could help, especially in the entertainment industry. She said it’s taken a village to make the giveaway successful, and it’s been a true community collaboration.
“ So I encourage everyone to not look backwards, but to look forward,” she said. “Hope, and have faith, and everything will be OK.”
The details
The prom dress and suit giveaway is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Suites 139 and 141 of The Paseo at 300 E. Colorado Blvd in Pasadena.
Students who are interested in attending are asked to fill out the intake form and make an appointment here first.
If you’d like to donate your time or resources, please send an email to: info@jazzyjamforempowerment.org.
