Need a prom dress? Bella Notte can help

By Christine Urio
HIGHLAND MILLS — Outfit by outfit, Pablo Quinones III is making prom dreams come true.
The 14-year-old Highland Mills freshman is the founder of Bella Notte, an organization where students are provided formal attire free of charge. The project was designed to help high schoolers and their families who struggle financially.
“Senior year is extremely costly and stressful,” Quinones said. “So many families are struggling, and my hope is to help ease their burden.”
Quinones feels families should not have to grapple with buying their child prom attire or putting a meal on the table that week.
“My desire is that families would put the money they would normally have paid for a dress toward books or a computer instead," he said. "Why pay so much money for a dress that ends up in a closet after just one use?”
'Beautiful night'Quinones created the concept when he was only age 9 after he overheard his mother and sister talking about a wedding they were attending.
“They were complaining that they didn’t want to use any of the many dresses they had in the closet, which they had only used once,” he said. “I was raised to always think of others, so when I heard them, it just came to me: Why not give those dresses you never plan to use again to girls who really need them?”
The name of the organization, which means “beautiful night,” originated from his sister, Jewels.
“It’s also (a song) in 'Lady and the Tramp,' which happens to be her favorite Disney movie,” said Pablo. “She said since it was the inspiration, I had to use it.”
The project ultimately allows the community to feel great about doing something good for others while giving needy students the opportunity to attend prom.
“It’s a once in a lifetime event," Quinones said. "It’s in every teen movie and I believe it’s a last time to spend with your high school friends before everyone goes their own way. I always hear everyone in my family talk about prom and how magical it was.”
And this year, Bella Notte received its first tuxedo donation.
“There is a great need for men’s clothing, as evidenced by the tux getting snatched up in a matter of two days,” said Pablo.
OutreachIn order to promote the cause, Pablo has reached out to all Orange County high schools created a Facebook page.
“My mom also has friends who are teachers in Rockland, which have referred a few girls, and my local church, St. Patrick’s, puts all our collection and giveaway dates in their bulletins,” he said. “We hand out flyers, and Mark West of WALL radio (94.1) invited me as a guest speaker to help get the word out.”
Additionally, Quinones has teamed up with local businesses, such as Life Storage, Vails Gate Cleaners, and South Orange Family YMCA, showing him just how generous and thoughtful these groups are.
“It’s not about making yourself happy all the time,” he said. “Life is about helping others find a little bit of happiness as well.”