In Brooklyn, a place where the prom dresses are free

More than 100 teenagers from across New York City waited in the pouring rain on Saturday for a chance to score a free prom outfit.

Senior prom may be an overrated rite of passage, or a quintessential high school experience, but it’s not cheap. Teens in the Northeast spend $700 per prom on average, according to a Yahoo! survey of more than 1,700 students across the country.

The Brooklyn Prom Project aims to address those costs by giving away racks of formal attire to teenagers across the city. It’s part of Operation Prom National Network, an organization started 20 years ago by Noel D’Allacco, a former event planner who found that she and her clients had leftover bridesmaid dresses.

“It’s a labor of love,” said Dawn Simon, the co-director of the Brooklyn Prom Project, which is now in its 11th year.

“Prom is a rite of passage for high school graduating seniors,” said Simon. “If we can help offset those expenses by providing them with free shoes, a gown, a tuxedo, a dress, then we know that we are really making an impact, because, let’s face it, the cost of a prom these days can be the cost of a mini-wedding.”

Saturday’s giveaway took place inside the gymnasium of a high school in Downtown Brooklyn. Hip-hop music blared inside as dozens of dress racks were arranged in rows. Tables proffered accessories like ties and gloves. Volunteer stylists and fitting experts helped people find their dream outfit.

“I felt emotional,” said Marie Cineus, who was there with her daughter, Pierrelyn, 17. “It feels good to be here. You see people helping each other. Especially now with the economy, it’s very tough for some families.”

After about an hour, Pierrelyn found a dress to wear to prom. It was red with sparkles and flowers.

Charles Wang, a student at Staten…