Every teenager has pivotal moments that mark her time in high school: getting a spot on the varsity basketball team; landing the big role in the annual musical; or getting a job at a favorite local store. For Melissa Michalowski, one of those moments was going to her high school prom.

Sadly, Melissa never made it to the prom.

Melissa, a vibrant high school senior, worked hard to save up enough money to get a prom dress and make the night special. She eagerly went to work at Whitmore Ace Hardware in Braidwood, IL, where co-workers describe her as bubbly, super friendly and always smiling brightly. She was that rare teenager who didn’t work just to have extra spending money. Melissa truly loved her job at Whitmore Ace.

One night not long before prom, Melissa and her friend, Crystal Carr, went out to pick up Melissa’s boyfriend. A storm had started, and Melissa’s mom had concerns about her daughter driving in the bad weather. As the storm got worse, Melissa lost control of the car. Skidding, she didn’t see the pickup truck coming around a bend, and that driver didn’t see Melissa’s car. It slammed into the two young women, who sadly both died in that crash — ending the lives of two well-loved people more than 10 years ago.

Melissa’s Ace family heard the news, and the shock felt like a punch to the gut. The team knew they wanted to do something to help honor Melissa while also helping grasp the gravity of what happened. Whitmore Ace Marketing Director Laurie Becker heard many of the other young staff members throughout Whitmore’s numerous stores talking about working extra hours to help save up to pay for expensive prom dresses, tuxedo rentals, limo rides and more. Laurie dreamed up the idea of holding an event to sell gently used prom dresses to help local girls afford a dress, making their prom dreams come true. So Melissa’s Closet, an annual fundraising event honoring Melissa’s legacy, was born.

The team collects used prom dresses, accessories, shoes, purses and more for Melissa’s Closet, which has taken place now for more than 10 years. Melissa’s Closet sells dresses for just $5, and every penny raised goes toward a scholarship fund to support students in need at Melissa’s school, Reed-Custer High School in Braidwood. To date, Melissa’s Closet has helped dress more than 2,500 girls for their prom during an event that sees more than 100 volunteers show up to make these girls’ dreams come true. They even have hair and makeup done — for free.

The annual event has gotten so large and popular that many local businesses and churches also accept donated dresses and accessories. It really has become a community affair.

"We know these people," Laurie said. "We know the community. Doing Melissa’s Closet shows how it brings the community together."

Hundreds of people line up to shop at Melissa’s Closet, and it’s a reminder to Melissa’s mom, Debbie, that while her daughter never got to dance at her prom, Melissa’s legacy helps so many others fulfill their dream of feeling special that one very wonderful night.

"For her, every year she goes to prom because this is her time, too," Debbie said. "I hope she’s up there and enjoying this event and being proud."