On Wednesday, Project Princess, a nonprofit organization owned and operated by Texas Lonestars, hosted their 19th annual Lonestarpalooza. The event featuring merchandise, a raffle and live music was hosted at Victory Lap, with all proceeds going to Project Princess to fund their largest event, Boutique Day.
Project Princess dedicates each fundraiser to raising money for Boutique Day, an event where local teenagers get the chance to have the full prom experience with personal shoppers, makeup artists and hairstylists. Project Princess co-director Saidee Flores said they reach out to over 40 high schools in the Austin area, and each student they serve gets everything free of charge.
“It’s so heartwarming when you see a girl pick a dress and her whole face lights up,” human biology senior Flores said. “It’s so much confidence that we foster, and just being able to break down financial and access barriers is an indescribable feeling.”
Project Princess’ co-directors, Flores and neuroscience junior Juliana Trevino, began planning this year’s Lonestarpalooza in the summer. Trevino said she and Flores worked to make the event accessible for UT students, while still maintaining their budget.
“There was a bit of (an) issue trying to find a suitable venue just because we try to keep this fundraiser local to the West Campus community, since a lot of our guests are UT-Austin students,” Trevino said. “We like it to be walking distance for a lot of people. Looking for venues in this general area was kind of difficult, especially since we are a nonprofit.”
Reva Prodduturi, Plan II senior and Texas Lonestars president, said the organization loves Project Princess with their heart and soul.
“A lot of our Lonestars love music and love supporting smaller artists,” Prodduturi said. “(Lonestarpalooza) combines so many of our favorite interests.”
Trevino said Texas Lonestars and Project Princess look forward to Lonestarpalooza each year.
“Lonestarpalooza is one of those events where it’s something people look forward to,” Trevino said. “It’s a chance to connect with one another in such a fun environment.”
Flores said planning the event took a lot of time and effort, but help from the Project Princess committee, donations coordinators, event coordinators and the social media chair made the process easier. However, she said Lonestarpalooza and Project Princess’ ultimate goal is to serve the community.
“Project Princess is not just about a dress,” Flores said. “It’s about helping underserved communities in Austin.”
