Mission Statement:
The Barbara Bates Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, is committed to serving economically disadvantaged High School Seniors for prom attire.  In addition, we are philanthropic toward the education and awareness of Breast Cancer.

History:
The Barbara Bates Foundation was founded In 1999. Initially, the goal of the Foundation was to recognize inner-city high school students who excel despite difficult circumstances by donating prom dresses and formal wear.

The Foundation strives to uplift the spirits and attitudes of Chicago’s disadvantaged inner-city youth living in poverty. Since its inception, the Foundation has discovered that the donation of a designer gown or tuxedo can go a long way in encouraging teens to want to “really be somebody” and set goals for themselves. The Foundation seeks to empower underprivileged teens to rise above their circumstances and become successful individuals in their chosen field of study. Upon graduation, 80 percent of the Foundation’s participants go on to further their education at two- and four-year college institutions.

In 2012, the Foundation also began to focus on Breast Cancer awareness and education. Remember to SAVE THE DATE for the Foundation’s “Knocking Out Breast Cancer” event on Sunday, October 16, 2016.