Sparkle Network announces annual Prom Closet Tour with Utica stop

METRO DETROIT — Sparkle Network, a nonprofit organization, has announced its ninth annual Prom Closet Tour.

The charity offers a chance to receive a free prom dress to help make it possible to celebrate the special night. This program is for juniors (Class of 2025) and seniors (Class of 2024).

The tour will be starting the weekend of Easter because all the local prom’s will take place in May. For some Oakland County schools, prom will take place in the early part of May.

Moe Lietz, board president and creator of Sparkle Network, said it is important for the public to know that they will not be accepting dress donations during the tour.

“One very important thing to mention is we do not take donations during the publicity of the tour. We announce on our website and social media platforms when we do take items,” she said.

The tour will have five stops around the area:

• March 29 and 30 at T-Tech Solutions in Troy.

• April 5 at Meadowbrook Center for Learning Differences in Rochester.

• April 6 at Children with Hair Loss in South Rockwood.

• April 7 at Front Door Housekeeping in Utica.

• April 12-14 at Macomb Mall in Roseville

An appointment is needed. Those interested can find the application form and appointment times at sparklenetwork.org/prom-closet-project. A completed form, a picture of student identification and an email confirmation from Sparkle Network is required for an appointment to be considered booked.

Marlaina Trevino, a photographer for Sparkle Network, said Lietz does an incredible job of making these events come to life for the teens.

“Not only does she scope out the best locations and work with local businesses, but she ensures each girl has a large range of options to choose from, and she even does background on what styles they typically like. So much detail and planning goes into these events, and it is all for these girls so they can enjoy their prom,” she said.

She said Lietz is hands-on the entire time, and helps the girls and moms choose just the right dress.

“I had the pleasure of seeing this firsthand, as my photography studio was one of the ‘favored spots.’ Hosting Moe and these families was one of my favorite days of the year,” she said.

For additional information about upcoming events, visit Facebook, follow on X @sparklenetwork and Instagram at @sparkle.network.