Jada Paul, wife of Clippers Point Guard Chris Paul, was a fairy godmother as she gave 100 girls designer prom dresses, shoes, accessories and more at her 5th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway on Saturday April 9 at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Sponsored by the Chris Paul Family Foundation, Paul’s wife, mother and sister came together to offer the high school seniors dresses from BCBG and Windsor Fashion, along with shoes from Steve Madden and goodie bags full of hair products and makeup. There were also raffle giveaways that included a car service, dinner, nail services and more.
“When we first got to L.A., we wanted to make a splash and presence here and prom is a big deal,” said Jada Paul.
“Chris was focused on more boy stuff at the time so I wanted to do something for the girls.”
As the girls arrived to the hotel, they were led to a room full of purple lights and chandeliers with a runway in the middle and racks full of dresses along each wall. Jada Paul came out and shared the importance of this event and how it was about more than a dress. She then had Keynote Speaker Diann Valentine come out and talk to the girls about coming into womanhood and the importance of carrying themselves the way that they want the world to see them.
“For these young women to be in an environment like this with so many incredibly talented gifted, strong resilient, powerful women should not be taken lightly,” said Valentine. “So I wanted them to know to seize the moment. You’ve been blessed with sisterhood, now utilize it.”
The Clippers Spirit Dance Team also got in on the fun as they modeled some of the prom dresses down the runway and helped the girls select their prom looks.
“A huge part of our position is charity and being able to give back,” said Candace Washington, member of Clippers Spirit and MC for the event. “These girls are so deserving and it’s important for women to give back and for women to know that they’re supported by other women.”
The Chris Paul Family Foundation reached out to different organizations, including Brotherhood Crusade, the Boys & Girls Club, L.A.’s Best and church groups, and asked them to select deserving high school seniors.
“We have a really big commitment to community and kids,” said Desiree Paul, sister of Chris Paul. “We’re the type of family that wants to do more than write a check, we want to build relationships, we want to engage the community.”
The family wanted to create an event where girls can interact with one another and experience a moment of sisterhood, while walking away with a beautiful dress. They know that prom comes with financial hardships for some families and they wanted to help relieve stress and give the girls a Cinderella moment.
“I’m having a great time. I got a fabulous dress and some fabulous shoes. It’s just wonderful,” said Aaliyah Clark, 18, who was invited by Brotherhood Crusade. “I didn’t get a chance to go to my prom because I was having a baby, but now I’m here and I get to go to my prom now. And you know, money is tight now a days and a prom dress for free and some shoes, this is great and fabulous, I love it.”
The girls walked away with dresses, shoes, purses and jewelry. Many of them also got to talk to expert hair and makeup artists. Chris Paul even stopped by to show support.
“The impact of what Jada Paul did today will be with these girls long beyond today. It’s going to carry over, not just with prom, but as they start the next phase of their lives,” said Valentine. “Whether it’s college, whether it’s career. Wherever they go, they’re going to remember that somebody cared enough about them and because somebody cared about them, one day they’re going to decide to care about somebody else.”
The family put on yet another flawless prom dress giveaway and are looking forward to what the future will bring.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.cp3foundation.org.
