By Ani GASPARYAN

Shoppers will be able to get a jump on the holidays while supporting Crescenta Valley High School students when Prom Plus hosts its annual boutique at the community room of Crescenta Valley Park on Nov. 9. The money raised will be dedicated to the high school’s prom after-party.

A variety of vendors can be found at the boutique, selling items ranging from clothing to jewelry to comics and more.

Diana Tyson, chair of the Prom Plus boutique, said the tradition of a boutique started many years ago as an extra benefit of the organization’s annual home tour. The boutique grew so much in popularity that now it is a primary fundraiser for Prom Plus.

Tyson noted that the items sold at the event can vary a little bit each year.

“It depends on which vendors are available,” she said. “There are always jewelry, clothing, skincare and makeup and we have a couple of people who are doing greeting cards.”

The boutique is one of many fundraisers held to raise money for Prom Plus, which was created by Crescenta Valley High School supporters, civic leaders and community members after CVHS senior Berlyn Cosman was murdered at a hotel party after prom in 1991. The annual event is meant to offer a safer alternative to high school seniors’ post-prom plans.

“[Prom Plus boutique] is a good way to not only introduce Prom Plus and what its goals are to the community but it is also a way to give buyers a jump on holiday shopping,” said Robin Goldsworthy, president of Prom Plus.

The supervised after-party is held at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA every year from midnight to 5 a.m.; admission is free to CVHS prom attendees and is $20 for those seniors not attending prom. A variety of entertainment is offered for students, including a casino, climbing wall, mechanical bull and escape room.

According to Goldsworthy, the cost of putting the event together costs about $25,000 a year.

“The way we raise money throughout the year is through our various fundraisers, the holiday boutique being one of the primary ones,” she said. “The funds that are raised from that go to help pay for that $25,000 price tag.”

She added that the boutique is among Prom Plus’ most successful fundraisers.

This year, the boutique will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crescenta Valley Park, 3901 Dunsmore Ave. The event is being supported by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and several local businesses.

Before the boutique begins, there will be a music performance by Monday@JoJo’s, a women’s vocal group that Tyson directs. It will also be the first year that the boutique will be selling barbecued hot dogs onsite and have events for children while their parents shop. Kids will be able to visit Santa Claus and participate in various activities, including a crafts booth.

Tyson said that she’s involved in the holiday boutique because she cares about the community and wants to see a safe place provided after prom. 

“It’s just important to see that there are opportunities for kids to have things to do that are wholesome,” Tyson said. “And I love that it’s free [for prom attendees and low cost for  other seniors] because we’re able to raise money.”

  Ani GASPARYAN