The Shippensburg University chapter of Tau Kappa (TK), women's athletics honor sorority, hosted its 13th annual "Project Prom Dress" event on Sunday, March 29 at Heiges Field House. This article was written by Sammy Lerario, who is serving as the president of TK in 2025-26.
 
Finding the perfect prom dress is a moment many high school students dream about, but for some, that experience is not within their budget.
 
Shippensburg University's chapter of Tau Kappa (TK), an all-women's athletic honors sorority, focuses on fixing this through its annual Project Prom event.
 
This year's Project Prom was held at Heiges Field House on Sunday, March 29, where attendees had the chance to shop for dresses, shoes, accessories, and enter raffles, as well as pick up free products from a generous makeup donation from Ulta Beauty.
 
Since its founding in 2010, the event has grown into a meaningful tradition for Tau Kappa. Over the past 15 years, Project Prom has raised nearly $9,000 for local organizations that support women and girls, while focusing on giving girls the chance to attend prom without financial stress.
 
"The main goal has always been to help teens be able to afford to go to prom. The funds raised are a secondary benefit but leave an impact throughout the community," said TK faculty advisor Miranda Fisher. "This event also allows our student-athletes to see the importance of service to the communities they are a part of."
 
This year, Tau Kappa sold 36 dresses and raised $600 in support of the B.E.E. Tough Foundation, a nonprofit organization created in memory of Brooke Emery, former Shippensburg University  Track & Field athlete who passed away in 2021. The nonprofit aims to promote her courage and toughness of spirit through ongoing charitable endeavors and scholarships mainly for local students.
 
"B.E.E. Tough means a lot to the women on campus, as Brooke was a track and field student-athlete whose unexpected passing left a huge hole for our athletic community," Fisher said. "Supporting the B.E.E. Tough Foundation allows Brooke's legacy to continue to influence young athletes with scholarships and athletic equipment to help youth stay engaged in sports."
 
Through the combined efforts of student-athletes, campus organizations, and community donors, Project Prom continues to grow not only as an event, but as a reflection of Tau Kappa's commitment to service. For those who attend, it's more than just finding a dress—it's about feeling seen, supported, and celebrated.
Through events like Project Prom, Tau Kappa continues to make a lasting impact on both the campus and the community.