Every Bella Deserves a Beautiful Prom.

The Bella Project collects formal dresses and accessories then provides it free of charge for youth to participate in milestone events.

Between 2009 and 2023, The Bella Project distributed over 4,000 dresses, including many for which finances and special needs may have been a barrier to obtaining appropriate attire.

“YWCA O‘ahu and The Bella Project have shared a common goal of empowering young adults to have confidence in how they present themselves in the world... We are looking forward to continuing the wonderful work built by The Bella Project over the years and helping students shine at their school events.”

— Noriko Namiki, CEO of YWCA O‘ahu

Bella Boutique in 2024

Bella Boutique

Bella Boutique in 2023

Students Served:  157

Dresses Distributed:  239

Volunteer Hours:  142

Testimonials

  • “I loved the dresses I picked and would definitely recommend”

    Hiʻilei K., Youth Participant

  • “I loved the whole experience, and everyone was so nice.”

    Mascha C., Youth Participant

  • “I felt really comfortable and was able to enjoy myself while shopping”

    Malina G., Youth Participant

  • “My stylist was amazing and made great conversation! Everyone involved was empowering.”

    Breanna B., Youth Participant

  • “All of the girls were very grateful!”

    Volunteer

  • “It was a great experience and truly filled my cup.”

    Volunteer

  • “Girls were so excited and being able to help them choose their dresses was a special experience. Some never shopped for a dress for a special occasion before, which was rewarding in itself.”

    Volunteer

  • “Many of the youth were very thankful and looked thrilled to find their special dresses.”

    Volunteer

Schools Represented at Bella Boutique 2024

Aiea High School

Campbell High School

Castle High School

Damien

Dreamhouse

Farrington High School

Halau Ku Mana

Kaiser High School

Kahuku High and Intermediate

Kailua High School

Kaimuki High School

Kalaheo High School

Kalani High School

Kamaile Academy PCS

Kamehameha

Kapolei

King Intermediate

Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue

Lanakila Baptist

Leilehua

Maryknoll

McKinley

Mid-Pacific Institute

Miliani High School

Moanalua High School

Myron B. Thompson Academy

Nanakuli High and Intermediate

Pearl City High School

Radford High School

Roosevelt High School

Sacred Hearts Academy

St. Andrews Priory

University Laboratory School

Waialua High and Intermediate

Waianae High School

Waipahu High School

Maui distribution for Lahainaluna High School Juniors and Seniors

100+ Dresses shared with Lahainaluna High School students and distributed between November 17-19, 2023.  Stephanie Hamano, Director of Economic Advancement, and Colleen McAluney, Director of the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, had the pleasure of participating in the dress distribution that was organized by Lahainaluna High School staff and Terri Ewbank, owner of Elly’s Formal Wear in Kihei.