The Junior League of Williamsport will help make dreams come true for local teens by offering gowns for a mere $10 at its fourth annual Cinderella's Closet event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 12 at Pine Street United Methodist Church, 441 Pine St.
In 2010, 225 girls attended - an increase of more than 100 girls from the previous year.
Most were first-time attendees and high school seniors, but many other girls in lower grades also attended the event.
The girls represented 49 different cities and more than 15 area schools, according to the Junior League of Williamsport. Most of the girls were from the surrounding area, but clearly, word has gotten out about what is in Cinderella's Closet - self-esteem.
The Junior League of Williamsport has found a need in the community and the surrounding areas. Cinderella's Closet is not just about a $10 dress - it's about feeling good about yourself.
The dresses and gowns are either donated for the event or bought with Junior League of Williamsport funds over the course of the year.
According to Carolyn Strickland, Junior League member, most girls had multiple dresses in any particular size available last year and the same will hold true this year.
"We have had lots of donations this year as well," Strickland said. She added that the sizes vary from 2 to 26, and as of Feb. 17, the inventory for this year's event was up to 558 dresses in a wide variety of styles, colors, fabrics and designs, even modest styles with higher necklines and sleeves.
There are even party dresses available for those attending formal events other than the prom.
And Cinderella's Closet is not just about the dress. These days you must accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.
As in past years, shoes, purses, jewelry, shawls and various hair accoutrements also will be available.
Fairy Godmothers also will be present to assist in the search for the perfect dress and accessories. The Fairy Godmothers are Junior League members or volunteers.
They assist the girls in negotiating the dress racks, finding a dressing room and choosing the best accessories.
The Fairy Godmothers help in the entire process and keep the event moving, because there are a lot of dreams waiting to come true.
Amanda Carroll, president of the Junior League of Williamsport, stated that "members are eager to work this event. It is a lot of fun and for some members, it is the one opportunity they have all year to be involved."
"It is just so much fun!" agreed Stickland.
With so many attendees last year, the number of girls attending the event this year is expected to be just as big, and in order to keep the event organized and flowing smoothly, there are a few requirements.
According to Kimberly Cassel, Junior League member, "All girls must show school identification, one adult female may accompany the girl in search of the perfect dress and girls should be respectful of the others waiting their turn in Cinderella's Closet."
As in past years, there will be door prizes given away during the course of the event, such as manicures and pedicures. There also will be random "sponsoring" of girls, too.
Former and current Junior League members have donated funds over the past year to "sponsor" girls at Cinderella's Closet, and during the course of the morning and early afternoon, girls will be randomly selected and, like a wave from a magic wand - poof! - the $10 fee for a dress will be waived.
Last year, the line began to form at 6 a.m. in frigid cold temperatures, but this year people will not have to brave the elements for their turn. They will be allowed to come into the heated church to wait.
For more information about the Junior League of Williamsport or Cinderella's Closet, visit www.jlwilliamsport.org.
