On March 6 and 7, more than 40 high school senior girls from Johnston County Schools flocked to the Cinderella’s Wardrobe Boutique to select free gowns, jewelry, evening bags, and shoes for the 2010 spring prom. Drawings for free hair and nail salon visits were part of the experience.

Horace Mann Insurance Agent, Alison Kidder, along with volunteer staff from Johnston County Schools and church volunteers, joined forces as modern day fairy godmothers to help make girls’ dreams come true. More than 200 prom dresses, 40 pairs of shoes, 30 evening handbags, and over 60 pieces of jewelry were donated and displayed, so that girls had plenty to choose from as they “shopped” for free formal wear. Most walked away with a dress plus matching shoes, bags, and jewelry. Other girls who didn’t need free clothing chose to donate their gently used dresses for the cause. In January, contacts in each high school notified senior girls of the project. They were all invited to donate or receive, on an anonymous basis. Many school staff members contributed clothes, money, or time to work the boutique. When Alison Kidder was asked why this partnership project was important to her, she replied, “I was able to attend my senior prom and I want all girls to have that same chance.”

While many JCS high schools in the past had conducted similar projects, it was within their own schools which limited the number of dresses for selection purposes. By combining the efforts of the schools, there were more dresses to choose from and girls did not have to worry about showing up in a gown that was seen last year at their school prom.

As names rolled in, appointments were scheduled in the strictest of confidence so that girls felt safe in their anonymity. Transportation was provided as needed. Many parents, as they came in with their daughters, expressed gratitude for the clothing, as well as the “secret location” as a means of preserving dignity. For these parents, the sour economy has hit hard and prom dresses were the last on their list of necessities, but at the same time, their daughters’ happiness remained at the top of their priorities.

Anticipating that these girls may share the experience with close friends who may also need a prom dress, Cinderella’s Wardrobe will have another Boutique Day before April 1 (prom night). For those who may be interested in attending a Boutique Day to select a dress or for those who would like to donate, please contact the Johnston County Schools Office of Public Information at (919) 934-6031.