"Why, it's like a dream. A wonderful dream come true, " says Cinderella, to which her Fairy Godmother responds, "Yes, my child, but like all dreams, well, I'm afraid this can't last forever. You have only until..." Now, the Fairy Godmother says midnight, but in this BocaJump, the Fairy Godmother says all high school girls have only one date and time to keep in mind...March 17, 2012 from 11am – 3pm to find the dress of their dreams, at "Cinderella's Closet", of course!
Elgin's Cinderella's Closet, a service project of Elgin Jr. Service Board (JSB) and the YWCA Elgin, will help make dreams come true for hundreds of modern-day Cinderella's. This fun formalwear boutique is a place where high school girls can "shop" for dresses, jewelry, and purses - pretty much everything that a girl might need for prom. All dresses are free; however a mere $5 donation is appreciated to shop, with 100% of the donations going right back into the community by way of supporting the YWCA Elgin Youth Programs.
At the event, girls are greeted by "Fairy Godmothers" who serve as their personal shoppers as they select from thousands of beautiful dresses - all current styles, many new with tags, in sizes ranging from petites to plus sizes. You want form fitted...they have it. You want ball gown...they have it. You want retro...you guessed it...they have it! And once each girl has found her dream dress, she can then "shop" for jewelry and other accessories to make her outfit complete. And to add to all of this, Cinderella's Closet even has their own busy birds on hand (or wing) to complete simple alterations on the spot for the prom dress shoppers.
Keep in mind; just as Disney's Cinderella's Fairy Godmother has rules, Cinderella's Closet does too. All Cinderella's-to-be must be a female high school student that is currently enrolled and can present a valid school ID or other proof of current enrollment. The girls will not be allowed in without the proper documentation. Also, all items will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis and cell phones and cameras are not allowed in the boutique. These rules and more are available at ywcaelgin.org and ElginJSB.org.
I would like to mention to all parents out there – This event is more than a girl getting a pretty dress. JSB and YW volunteers have witnessed many a transformation...A teen girl shuffles into the dressing room with her jeans and hoody sweatshirt and comes out standing taller and prouder as she sees her beautiful reflection in the mirror before her. The girls gain a sense of empowerment as she envisions herself at her high school prom, a true American milestone for every high school student.
Whether you went to your promenade or not, if you are an American, you have a memory of prom. I never went to my Senior Prom, but I remember distinctly why I did not go - We'll save that for another BocaJump! This event is also great for parents. Tough times are upon us, and a free dress beats the average cost of a prom dress which could be up around $300-$400!
So, if you have a high school girl or if you know one, please let her know of this event. And if you would like to volunteer or donate dresses, accessories or cash for this magical service project visit JSB's or the YWCA Elgin's websites to find out more, or call the YW at 847-742-7930. The YW collects dress all year long, and there is still time to volunteer for set-up, registration, check-out, take-down or even as a Fairy Godmother!
Be part of the magic to make a girl's dream come true!
Elgin's Cinderella's Closet, a service project of Elgin Jr. Service Board (JSB) and the YWCA Elgin, will help make dreams come true for hundreds of modern-day Cinderella's. This fun formalwear boutique is a place where high school girls can "shop" for dresses, jewelry, and purses - pretty much everything that a girl might need for prom. All dresses are free; however a mere $5 donation is appreciated to shop, with 100% of the donations going right back into the community by way of supporting the YWCA Elgin Youth Programs.
At the event, girls are greeted by "Fairy Godmothers" who serve as their personal shoppers as they select from thousands of beautiful dresses - all current styles, many new with tags, in sizes ranging from petites to plus sizes. You want form fitted...they have it. You want ball gown...they have it. You want retro...you guessed it...they have it! And once each girl has found her dream dress, she can then "shop" for jewelry and other accessories to make her outfit complete. And to add to all of this, Cinderella's Closet even has their own busy birds on hand (or wing) to complete simple alterations on the spot for the prom dress shoppers.
Keep in mind; just as Disney's Cinderella's Fairy Godmother has rules, Cinderella's Closet does too. All Cinderella's-to-be must be a female high school student that is currently enrolled and can present a valid school ID or other proof of current enrollment. The girls will not be allowed in without the proper documentation. Also, all items will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis and cell phones and cameras are not allowed in the boutique. These rules and more are available at ywcaelgin.org and ElginJSB.org.
I would like to mention to all parents out there – This event is more than a girl getting a pretty dress. JSB and YW volunteers have witnessed many a transformation...A teen girl shuffles into the dressing room with her jeans and hoody sweatshirt and comes out standing taller and prouder as she sees her beautiful reflection in the mirror before her. The girls gain a sense of empowerment as she envisions herself at her high school prom, a true American milestone for every high school student.
Whether you went to your promenade or not, if you are an American, you have a memory of prom. I never went to my Senior Prom, but I remember distinctly why I did not go - We'll save that for another BocaJump! This event is also great for parents. Tough times are upon us, and a free dress beats the average cost of a prom dress which could be up around $300-$400!
So, if you have a high school girl or if you know one, please let her know of this event. And if you would like to volunteer or donate dresses, accessories or cash for this magical service project visit JSB's or the YWCA Elgin's websites to find out more, or call the YW at 847-742-7930. The YW collects dress all year long, and there is still time to volunteer for set-up, registration, check-out, take-down or even as a Fairy Godmother!
Be part of the magic to make a girl's dream come true!
