Recognizing a need within the community that needed to be met, Enisia Lee organized Princess Endowment—an organization that is focused on enhancing the low self-esteem and life skills of inner city teenage females of Richland County. And on Saturday, Princess Endowment held its first event, a prom edition dress giveaway at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library.
Area high school girls filed into the community room at the library, where they were greeted by Princess Endowment volunteers who assisted them in finding prom attire, such as dresses, jewelry, and shoes.
All of the items, including the seven racks of dresses and tables full of shoes and jewelry, were offered free of charge and had been donated by members of the community, said Lee. Some of the items were brand new, she added. Visitors could also schedule appointments to get their hair, nails, and makeup prepared for prom.
Mansfield Christian School senior Kasie Ady said she wanted to attend the giveaway in the hopes of finding a dress. She landed on an orange gown, although she said she had originally wanted a pink, sparkly dress.
Being able to provide a helping hand to teenage girls is part of why Lee formed the program. “I got the idea from visiting other places out of town and so I wanted to bring something similar here to be a blessing to young girls,” she said.
“I’ve noticed a positive reaction from the girls,” said Lee of the program. “I think they’re really into what we’re trying to do.”
Madison Comprehensive High School senior Dinesia Randolph said that she was glad to be able to attend the event. Having many friends who are seniors, she said she is looking forward to prom to be able to spend one last night of fun with them. While she didn’t have anything in mind in terms of what style dress she wanted, she got a black halter dress, which she said looks and feels just right.
Lee hopes to hold other events as part of Princess Endowment in the future. She said that she would like to organize an educational advancement luncheon and offer workshops, support groups, and activities that aim at developing young girls’ educational success and overall well-being.
