Boutique in memory of MHS ’15 Jackie Gray who died in 2016, offers more than 1,000 dresses

By Theresa Knapp 

Jackie Gray at her prom in 2014. Courtesy photo

 With prom season just around the corner, Jackie’s Boutique is getting ready to provide free gowns and accessories to girls in Milford and nearby communities.  

The boutique is located inside Milford High School and is operated by Sandy Gray. Sandy and Ron Gray’s daughter Jacqueline (“Jackie” and “Jax”) Gray died at age 19 after a car accident on July 4, 2016. She was a 2015 MHS graduate. 

“We do it to keep Jackie’s spirit alive, it’s all about Jackie for us,” said Ron Gray. “There’s a lot here; it can be painful, but it really fulfills us. Sandy finds her peacefulness here, you have to try to find it somewhere.” 

“When something like this happens, you learn that you need to find fulfillment, you need to do something,” said Sandy Gray, a school nurse within the Milford school district. “You ask, ‘What do I do now?’ and I would like to give to people who have a need, whether it’s financial, social-emotional, special needs, whatever it is, because I know how much it’s appreciated and because I know that’s what Jackie would be doing.” 

The boutique opened in 2017 and helped many girls the first few years, says Sandy. Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened and students did not go to school or prom. Since then, the boutique – which is only open by appointment during school off-hours – remains relatively unknown to many students. The majority of current MHS students did not know Jackie and likely do not know the story behind the large set of dark doors on the second floor (Upper A-Wing) that read “Jackie’s Boutique” in purple paint, Jackie’s favorite color. 

The space is a former custodial closet that the Gray family and friends worked to turn into a “vintage boutique” space with racks of dresses in various styles from size 0 to 28; shelves for shoes, bags, and jewelry; a dressing room; and lots of Jackie’s influence (including her prom photos). 

“With the help of lots of people, that’s how this came about,” said Ron. 

“Little by little, I just spent time up here,” said Sandy, organizing the space. “Jackie was a dancer and all about ‘bling’ so we incorporated a lot of bling in her honor.” 

Jackie's Boutique offers an individual salon-style experience to girls looking for prom dresses. Photo credit: Theresa Knapp

There are more than 1,000 available, many in a satellite storeroom; all are donated and some are brand new with tags. 

Shopping is by appointment only.

“Some girls come in alone, some with their friends, some with their moms, and most of them want my help which is nice,” said Sandy, adding visits can last one hour to a few hours. “I will stay up here until we can make something work, it’s their moment. This is very individualized, I want them to have fun and take their time.” 

She added, “Most, if not all, of the girls really appreciate this and the parents are grateful for not having to spend money on a dress, which can be really expensive especially if the girls are going to more than one prom (or they get asked at the last minute).” 

Sandy says the private shopping experience during off hours in a quiet secluded space can also be ideal for students who might be shy or get overstimulated by the big-dress-shop experience. “At Jackie’s Boutique, they can come in here, and hopefully be relaxed.” 

Sandy will help make arrangements for alterations, often at a very low cost.

They ask that dresses be returned to Jackie’s Boutique and suggest a nominal fee to cover the cost of dry cleaning. 

In addition to more than 1,000 dresses to loan, Jackie's Boutique inside Milford High School also loans accessories. Photo credit: Theresa Knapp

 Jackie’s Boutique lends dresses not just for proms but for other community events as well, including the Milford Youth Center Fashion Show and the Best Buddies Pageant – Jackie was a member of the MHS Best Buddies chapter while in high school. They hope to increase their work with other community organizations in the near future. 

“It’s things like this that make me happy we can offer this,” said Sandy, who runs the shop herself but often has help from MHS students who need community service hours and Girl Scouts working on badges and awards. 

To donate dresses or to request an appointment (girls do not need to be Milford residents), contact Sandy Gray at 508-245-2973.