Augusta, GA
Augusta Dream Center helps teens have a night to remember, for free
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center helped make some teenagers’ prom dreams come true.
Oftentimes getting set up for prom is an expensive process for a memory that could last a lifetime.
It’s a way to help take away any financial stress that comes with prom.
It adds up quickly when it comes to clothes, hair, makeup, and more, but hundreds of girls got all of that for free today at Stephens Creek Church.
It was a day dedicated to making each and every person that walked in the door feel special.
“Specifically for high schoolers, especially that are underprivileged or don’t really have the opportunity to go prom dress shopping. It’s really cool that they offer this opportunity,” said Sarah Smith, a volunteer.
It’s not just for South Augusta, but all across the CSRA.
“I love seeing other girls walk down looking so beautiful and feeling themselves just feeling like how a girl should feel. And when I saw everyone walking down in those dresses, I’m like they must be so happy right now. They look so pretty. They look so happy,” said LJ Lopez, who attended the event.
More than 200 girls chose from up to 3000 donated dresses while also getting their hair and makeup done and choosing from hundreds of accessories for free.
“Just think about how inflation has impacted all of us. So, you know, the cost of their prom tickets are astronomical, if you have a couple of kids in high school. I mean, how do you do that?” said Kellie Newman, Augusta Dream Center Director.
But happiness like this isn’t something you can put a price on.
“I really don’t think there’s a much greater reward than pouring in and investing into the next generation. And so, teenagers today are under so much more stress than ever before, just in this world today we live in, the culture and social media and all of those things,” said Newman.
So the last thing they should stress about is something every teenager looks forward to.
“It’s just like really cool to see like their transformation with their confidence and clothes and everything,” said Mary-Caroline Waldrop, a volunteer.
Everything may have been free but many of them left with something money could never buy.
“Grateful. I appreciate it. Made me feel like Cinderella,” said Aaliyah Samuels, who attended the event.
Augusta Dream Center says this was their biggest Cinderella Day since they started seven years ago.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
With deepest and heartfelt sympathy, G. L. Brightharp & Sons announces the transition of Mr. Willie J. Tanksley who entered into rest April 18, 2026.
Mr. Tanksley, a native of Richmond County, was a 1985 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County. He was a member of Greater Young Zion Baptist Church where he served in the Brotherhood Ministry.
Survivors include his wife, Sabrina Tanksley; two daughters, Ashley Tanksley and Taylor Tanksley; siblings, Elise Tanksley of Augusta, GA, Wilhelmina Roland of Atlanta, GA, Terry Tanksley, Tommy Tanksley, Watler Tanksley and Elder Claude (Kimberly) Tanksley all of Augusta, GA; an aunt, Frances Tate; an uncle, James Tanksley; mother-in-law, Sandra Harrison of Beech Island, SC; father-in-law, Jimmy (Elnora) Bing; three sisters-in-law, Fonda Rainey, Nicole Harrison and Nina Bing; a brother-in-law, Eric Bing; a host of nieces , nephews, along with other loving relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Greater Young Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. William A. Blount officiating. Interment will follow at Walker Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.
The family will not be receiving visitors at the home. We ask that you continue to pray for them during this time.
Professional Services are under the compassionate care of G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-North Augusta.
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