The Bella Project
The Bella Project collects formal dresses and accessories then provides it free of charge for youth to participate in milestone events.
The Bella Project aims to break financial barriers so youth can attend prom or other milestone events.
Between 2009 and 2026, The Bella Project distributed over 4,500 dresses, including many for whom finances and special needs may have been a barrier to obtaining appropriate attire.
Styling Appointments will be available starting Dec. 1, 2026.
All youth under age 18 must have a Caregiver Authorization completed in order to participate in the event.
Donate Your Formal Wear
Help Make Memories of a Lifetime
We accept new or gently used formal clothes for youth ages 14–18.
Long Formal Gowns
Cocktail Dresses
Jumpsuits
Pantsuits
Donation Drop-Off Info
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YWCA O’ahu - 1040 Richards St, Honolulu HI. You can pull up to our curb and drop your donation to our front desk in the lobby.
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Anytime between 7am-5pm. Please specify that your donation is for the Bella Project.
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All Donations must be clean and either gently used or new. Preferabbly on a hangar or garment bag.
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All donations that are deemed not suitable for youth milestone events, may be sold in our monthly Benefit Sale. All proceeds benefit YWCA O’ahu programs and services.
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No boxes or bins accepted. Bags must be no larger than 13 gal. trashbags.
“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, Former CEO of YWCA O‘ahu
Schools Represented at the Bella Boutique
Aiea High School
Anuenue School
Assets School
James Campbell High School
Castle High School
Damien Memorial School
Dreamhouse High School
Farrington High School
Halau Ku Mana
Hanalani Schools
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Hawaii Tech Academy
James Campbell High School
Kaiser High School
Kahuku High and Intermediate
Kailua High School
Kaimuki High School
Kalaheo High School
Kalani High School
Kamaile Academy PCS
Kamehameha Schools
Kapolei High School
King Intermediate
Lanakila Baptist School
Leilehua High School
Maryknoll High School
McKinley high School
Mid-Pacific Institute
Miliani High School
Moanalua High School
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Nanakuli High and Intermediate
Pacific Buddhist Academy
Pearl City High School
Punahou 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.