Colvin Cleaners launches 'Gowns for Prom' with major expansion

New headquarters unveiled to provide 'boutique experience' for students

√ 18th annual gown selection event seeks to ensure every student will have gown for prom

√ Desperate need for donations of gowns sizes 16 and larger

Press release & photos courtesy of Colvin Cleaners

Colvin Cleaners is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 “Gowns for Prom” program, with the most significant evolution in the program’s history. For the first time, the charitable initiative will operate out of its own dedicated headquarters, at 2312 Elmwood Ave., transforming the traditional giveaway event into a recurring, high-end “boutique experience” for Western New York high school students.

Historically, “Gowns for Prom” was held as a large-scale event over one or three days at the Buffalo Convention Center or Shea’s Buffalo. While exciting, the limited timeframe often made it difficult for families with working parents or students with extracurriculars to attend. The 2026 program addresses this by extending the selection period to two months, and offering weekly appointments to ensure every student in need has the opportunity to select a gown, shoes and accessories at no cost.

“This has always been the dream of the program,” said Chris Billoni, vice president of Colvin Cleaners. “To see this program evolve from a three-day event to a permanent headquarters is amazing. The major events were fun, but they were limited for students with busy schedules. Now, with appointments available over two months, we can ensure that everyone who needs a gown can get one in a relaxed, beautiful setting.”

The new headquarters has been designed to replicate the feel of a high-end consignment boutique. Students will register online for one-hour appointments, during which they will be paired with volunteer “Gown Guides” to help them find their perfect look. The facility features custom fitting rooms and a wide selection of gowns, shoes, purses and accessories.

Colvin Cleaners General Manager Samantha Power emphasized the effort behind the new location: “Our team worked tirelessly to create this beautiful space for the students. We didn’t just want a distribution center; we wanted a space that felt special – somewhere students could feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated from the moment they walk through the doors.”

To accommodate busy schedules, the new headquarters will operate on a recurring weekly schedule starting March 3 and running until April 11, with appointments from 3-6 p.m. (headquarters closes at 7 p.m.) Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturdays (headquarters closes at 3 p.m.). Students wishing to obtain a gown must register online for an appointment timeslot.

This extended schedule also creates more flexible opportunities for volunteers. Community members are needed more than ever to serve as “Gown Guides,” helping students navigate the racks and manage fitting rooms. For registration, volunteer sign-ups, and donation information, visit www.gownsforprom.com.

The program relies on the generosity of the Western New York community. Colvin Cleaners is currently accepting donations of gently used or new gowns, with a critical need for sizes 16 and larger, as well as purses and shoes. Donations can be dropped off at Colvin Cleaners and participating locations across WNY listed at www.gownsforprom.com.

“We are so proud to be a part of this community and are dedicated to giving back to the neighbors who have supported us for nearly 100 years,” said Paul Billoni, president and owner of Colvin Cleaners. “Investing in this building was the right thing to do. It allows us to deepen our commitment to Western New York families, and ensures that ‘Gowns for Prom’ has a permanent home for years to come.”

Relations Manager Amanda Meggesto added, “It is amazing to help students realize their dream of going to prom. By removing the financial burden and providing a dignified, personal shopping experience, we are helping these students make memories that will last a lifetime.”

More about Colvin Cleaners: A nearly 100-year-old, family-owned business, Colvin Cleaners was founded by Phil Billoni and is now run by the third generation Billoni family. Today, it is the only WNY dry cleaner using the environmentally friendly Green Earth cleaning solution. The company proudly organizes the philanthropic, nonprofit programs “Coats 4 Kids” and “Gowns for Prom,” cleaning, sorting and distributing thousands of items to those in need annually.