Whether it’s college application fees, student loans or helping to support their family, in these tough economic times prom is an expensive luxury that not all high school students can afford. With hair, makeup, dresses, tuxes, dinner and more, prom seems more of a distant dream than the dream night many imagine.

Despite limited means, the excitement and desire to attend prom for teenagers is still very real. Enter Katie’s Project, a group that will step in to help students attend formal attire events, which generally average out to about $600 a person. With inspiration from one girl’s school project and the philanthropic efforts of businesswoman Kathy Foxworth, this organization strives to make sure students can enjoy important events with style and grace.

The Mr. Myrtle Beach pageant is a major fundraiser for Katie’s Project. Now in its fifth year, the show will be held at Revolutions at Broadway at the Beach and will feature 12 of the Grand Strand’s finest gentlemen vying for the title of Mr. Myrtle Beach. The contestants will show off their talents, model the latest men’s fashions and do a Q&A session. Some of this year’s contestants include Saint James Elementary assistant principal Andrew Ball, WPDE chief meteorologist Ed Piotrowski and Gordon Biersch brewmaster Michael Grossman.

To purchase tickets, see all contestants, and get more information about this great organization, visit katiesproject.org.