Colonie Central High School is once again teaming up with local radio station 99.5 The River for the “Pay Less for the Dress” campaign, an initiative designed to make prom more accessible and affordable for students across the Capital Region. The year’s drive kicks off on Monday, Jan. 27 and will culminate in a live broadcast at the high school on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 5.

The campaign encourages the community to donate gently used or new prom dresses, which will be collected at the high school through Feb. 5. These dresses will be made available for purchase at Proctor’s Key Hall, both on the evening of Friday, Feb. 28 and during the day on Saturday, March 1 for just $9.95 + tax. All proceeds from the event will benefit both The Proctor’s Scholarship Fund and The ARC of Rensselaer County.

Last year, Colonie Central High School collected over 475 dresses during the campaign, making a significant contribution to the event’s success. The school hopes to surpass that number this year, reflecting the community’s spirit of generosity and collaboration.

“The “Pay Less for the Dress "campaign is a wonderful opportunity for our students and school community to come together and make a difference,” said Melissa Judge, CCHS associate principal. “It’s not just about providing affordable prom attire—it’s about supporting students, promoting inclusivity, and giving back to causes that matter. We’re proud to be part of this meaningful initiative once again.”

The campaign’s highlight will be a live broadcast hosted by 99.5 The River Morning Show with Kevin and Tracy at Colonie Central High School on Feb.5, celebrating the drive’s success and showcasing the incredible community effort behind the event.