Cinderella Project Offers Prom Dresses To Girls At Pasco Schools

TRINITY, FL – Every teen girl should feel like Cinderella, at least for one memorable night of their lives, said Julie Rockwell of Trinity. That’s the goal of the Cinderella Project of Pasco, which is now assembling an assortment of new and gently used prom dresses so high school girls won't have to miss their proms.

For the 15th year, formal silk and satin gowns, bejeweled high-heeled shoes and purses, and an assortment of glittering necklaces, bracelets and earrings will be distributed free of charge to teen girls at Pasco County high schools who don’t have the financial means to purchase these items so they can attend their high school proms.

Since 2003, the Cinderella Project has supplied dresses and accessories to more than a thousand Pasco County girls who might not have attended their proms due to the expense.

For many teen girls whose families are struggling, attending prom truly is a fairytale, something they only dream about, Rockwell said.

“It’s not like when I was in high school,” she said. “Today, girls spend hundreds of dollars on dresses and the guys rent tuxes, buy corsages, pay $100 for prom tickets and treat their dates to an expensive restaurant.”

She said she never tires of seeing the excitement on the faces of the girls when they see the array of gowns collected by the Cinderella Project and realize they can choose one of the dresses for themselves.

“It’s so worth it when you see the girls walk through the door,” Rockwell said. “They’re in awe. They can’t believe this is all free. It’s such an honor to help give them this special night they’ll always remember.”

This year Pasco teen will have six opportunities to choose a prom dress and some glamorous accessories to go with it.

“We have hundreds of beautiful dresses in all colors, styles and bling to choose from,” said Rockwell, adding that her team of “fairy godmothers” will be on hand at each location to assist the girls.

Students can try on and pick out prom dresses from 2 to 6 p.m. on the following days:

· March 5-6 at Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., Hudson

· March 7-8 at Gulf High School, 5355 School Road, New Port Richey

· March 12-13 at Wesley Chapel High School, 30243 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel

Signs will be posted at the entrances of the schools with directions to the boutiques.

The Cinderella Project is continuing to accept donations of contemporary prom-style dresses and accessories (shoes, purses, costume jewelry) in excellent condition. Cash donations to the Cinderella Project are used to purchase new dresses and shoes when sizes are not available in the donated inventory.

Donations may be dropped off at Rockwell's Raymond James office, 9040 Tryfon Blvd., Suite A-104, at the corner of Little Road and Trinity Boulevard in the Trinity Town Center.

“Our goal is to be sure no one misses their prom because of lack of funds,” Rockwell said.

For more information about the Cinderella Project, visit the Cinderella Project’s Facebook page.

Images via the Cinderella Project