Glass Slipper Project to the rescue
For many young women, prom is an exciting time, a time of glamor, sparkle and beauty. Some of them may enjoy the chance to fulfill a princess fantasy (straight out of Bettelheim), others may see it as a rite of passage into womanhood and still more may view it as an insidious torture device. Whatever the case, it’s hard not to have an opinion.
But obtaining the proper princess garb (or princely wares, because many guys look forward to prom, too) can be expensive. Tuxedo rentals are an expense, and there are other expenses, depending upon after-prom plans. However, these things tend to pale in comparison with the money (and time) young ladies (and their parents) spend of prom dresses. Quick payday loans or credit cards may help you afford a nice dress, but if it’s only going to be worn once, the wisdom of such a course is debatable.
That’s where the Glass Slipper Project comes in
Kate Ward of the Northwest Arkansas Times reports at http://nwanews.com/nwat/News/75628/ that girls like Hailey Pitts of Fayetteville High School will have the chance to attend their senior prom where chance may not have existed before.
“I’m really excited, but it still kind of freaks me out,” Pitts said “I always knew I’d eventually go; I just can’t believe it’s already here.”
According to Ward, Pitts is one of more than 100 Fayetteville juniors and seniors who will have a dress for prom, thanks to Project Glass Slipper. This program was established by high school counselors who didn’t want cost to affect a student’s ability to attend prom. In addition to a dress, the project provides shoes, jewelry, accessories and a ticket to the event.
Get to the boutique
“About a fourth of our student population is on the free or reduced lunch plan, which is up from last year,” said project founder Leigh Hudson. “I certainly think the economy is a contributing factor. A lot of families have lost their housing or their jobs, which changes their economic status dramatically.”
Hudson started Project Glass Slipper in 2007 by taking donations of prom dresses. In addition to clothing donations, local charities have contributed money to the cause. Last year, donated dresses and other prom-related items were moved into an old elementary school classroom. But don’t let that fool you. We’re talking a hot pink boutique here, complete with rows of clothing racks, dressing rooms with zebra curtains.
“A lot of girls come here expecting to see an old elementary classroom,” Hudson said. “Once they walk inside, they’re all like ‘Wow!’ That’s one of my favorite parts. I love seeing their surprised faces.”
Live the dream, even if it’s just for the moment
Counselors at schools like Fayetteville High make a special effort to extend Glass Slipper invitations to the homeless among the student body. Volunteers who serve as personal shoppers, makeup assistants and dress fitters at the event even help prepare elegant formal invitations ahead of time.
“Most of these girls have never had anyone give them something like this before,” Hudson said. “Some of them are like, ‘Do you want me to give this back when I’m done?’ I always tell them they can donate it back or wear it around their house for as long as they want. It’s theirs to keep so they can do what they want with it.
From sleek and long to short and sequined, the selection is delightfully diverse. Size availability varies, so act early if you plan to use a similar Glass Slipper Project-style boutique in your location. Contact the counseling department of your high school or check out the project’s Web site for more information.
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What a wonderful thing to do. It definitely warms my heart. I can only imagine the look of excitement on these young girls’ faces. Prom is definitely a big deal to a lot of these students. It’s a way to celebrate and recognize great achievements.
Prom fills the role that Debutante balls use to fill – they still go on – otherwise known as coming out parties. They also serve as a means to extract a lot of money from high school students, and more to the point, their parents. However, prom is a big deal to a lot of people and a service that helps underprivileged students to go is a wonderful thing.