If a new prom or presentation dress, shoes, accessories, personal hair stylist, makeup and professional photograph — all free of charge — sound like a fairy tale, consider the Cinderella Project the fairy godmother.
The local philanthropic group made up primarily of Columbus Air Force Base wives has expanded its reach to invite junior high and high school girls in Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay, Monroe and other surrounding counties to contact project coordinator Megan Brown by 5 p.m. Friday to set up an appointment to be outfitted Saturday, from a large selection of donations.
“All young girls are entitled to experience prom or their school”s special event,” Brown said. “It”s a milestone that all of us hold dear. No Cinderella will miss the ball on our watch this year.”
Many of the nearly 500 dresses collected for the “Gown a Gal” campaign are new, stressed the coordinator.
“The Fashion Barn and other participating retailers have donated a large number of gowns that are brand spanking new,” she said. “And, those that aren”t have mostly been worn only once, and we have sizes up to 28. We”ve been very particular about the dresses we collected.”
For girls with appointments, outfitting and other donated services will be done by Cinderella Project volunteers Saturday in the Lia Fashions building, 1211 Highway 45 N., between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
From 5-7 p.m., all remaining gowns will be sold to the general public for $10 each, stated Brown.
On Saturday, the group also plans to give away two limousine rides and a dinner out. In addition, Shelly Harper Photography will be on hand to take a photograph of each girl after her transformation, at no charge.
Brown urged, “Parents, if your daughter would like help in getting outfitted for prom or a special occasion, plus get accessories and hair styling and makeup tips, please call us right away.”
To set up an appointment, contact Brown at 662-549-9492 by 5 p.m. Feb. 26.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.