What teenage girl doesn't look forward to getting all dolled up for prom?
The anticipation of being the belle of the ball at high school's biggest social event often is heightened by the search for the perfect dress.
However, many young ladies in today's economy would be unable to afford the pleasure and confidence a new gown provides - if not for the help of a local organization dedicated to making prom dreams come true.
Thanks to the Junior League of Williamsport, no princess has to go to the ball in rags. At the club's annual Cinderella's Closet event, local girls are outfitted with prom gowns and other accessories - all for a mere $10.
For the price, "they don't just get a gown," said Barb Hoover, a Junior League member and "fairy godmother" for the event. "They can also choose shoes, a purse and jewelry."
When the guests arrive at Cinderella's Closet, "fairy godmothers," such as Hoover, guide them through the dress selection process. These volunteers escort the girls to fitting rooms and help them pick gowns to try on. A seamstress also is on-site to make sure that the chosen frock is a perfect fit.
According to Pam Keefer, Junior League community vice president, the Williamsport League held its first Cinderella's Closet in 2008, after learning that other leagues had been successful with the project. Over the course of each successive year, they have been gathering new and gently used dresses to distribute at each event.
Last year, more than 160 girls attended - more than 130 of them left with a new outfit in hand.
"We appreciate donations," Keefer said. In addition to accepting contributions from the public, the club also buys and distributes a number of new dresses, using proceeds from fundraisers they conduct throughout the year, such as their "Gents and Gems" auction, held last November.
Local businesses often get in on the fun too, supporting the event with "donations for new make-up and jewelry," as well as services like dry cleaning.
The club also welcomes offerings of restaurant or salon gift certificates, which will be awarded to prom-goers as door prizes.
Cinderella's Closet always is a big hit with the girls, who appreciate the boost of self-esteem a new dress provides. The league has received numerous positive comments about the event, according to Keefer.
"So many girls and mothers are extremely grateful and so happy," she said, noting that "shopping" for prom gear at Cinderella's Closet can become a social event in itself, giving students from various schools in the district a chance to mingle as they look through the racks of gowns. And, according to Hoover, thanks to the generosity of the Williamsport community, there are plenty to go around.
"We've never run out of dresses," she said.
It makes for a magical experience, both for the girls and their "fairy godmothers," who enjoy the preparations as much as their charges do.
"Many girls look forward to creating happy high school memories by attending their prom," Keefer said. "We help to make those dreams come true. We feel we give to the community."
Hoover said that the Junior League hopes the event will help the girls create "beautiful memories." In addition, she anticipates that "the girls will see how rewarding it is for us to work with the community, inspiring them to do the same."
Right now, the league is collecting dresses ranging from size 2 to 24 for this year's Cinderella's Closet, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27 at Pine Street United Methodist Church, 441 Pine St. So start raiding your closets, ladies. The drive, which began Feb. 5, will continue through Friday.
To donate a dress, visit one of nine drop-off points located at the following local businesses:
Aquarius Pool and Patio, 170 Pine St.
Norge Village Dry Cleaning, 20 Stewart Alley, Montoursville.
Faxon Cleaners, 1313 Washington Blvd.
Fitness Factory, 330 Hughes St.
Reedy's Dry Cleaning, 930 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore.
Twin Hills Health Center, 2796 Lycoming Mall Drive, Muncy.
Dewald Chiropractic, 1355 Four Mile Drive.
Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N. Academy Ave., Danville.
Bucknell University, 11 Seventh St., Lewisburg.
The Junior League of Williamsport is a nonprofit organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
