If you have ever wanted to be a Fairy Godmother for someone to make their dreams come true, we have found a way to make that possible, through something called the Cinderella Project.
Started four years ago in Stamford, the Cinderella Project was created to give students who might not otherwise be able to afford something to wear for the big dance a chance to look their best. The project is now looking to Wilton for donations, and a collection point has been set up at the Wilton office of William Raveis.
“I started the Cinderella Project after I heard a girl at Stamford High say she couldn’t go to prom because she couldn’t afford a dress,” says Holly Hyman, a Stamford resident. “It broke my heart. Every girl (and guy) should be able to go to prom! It’s a rite of passage.”
So Hyman began rallying family, friends and neighbors to help her cause. She began collecting anything and everything you can think of that someone would want to wear to a school formal–dresses, shoes, bags and jewelry, and asking friends to do the same. In the past four years, she’s gathered 1,000 new and gently used dresses.
Hyman enlisted the help of social workers at Stamford high schools to identify girls who have a strong financial need. These girls receive dresses for free and are given money for prom tickets. “I have collected tuxes in the past too!” she says. “Or nice suits, ties and shoes for the guys.”
Remaining dresses are sold for $20 to other girls in the schools, and the proceeds are used for prom tickets for boys and girls. Should there be any more dresses left, they are passed on to Kids Helping Kids, who annually hosts Handled with Care Dress Boutique.
Hyman says the most fun and rewarding day is the day she gets to play Fairy Godmother! In March, she and her lucky assistants work at the high schools from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and act as personal stylists for the students to put together fabulous looks for their prom evening.
Because the Cinderella Project disperses all the items it collects each year, Hyman needs to start from scratch and collect more donated formal wear. That’s why she’s reached out to her friend Lisa Bender, a Wilton Realtor, to help corral the Wilton energy and its closets for more goodies.
What can GOOD Morning Wilton readers and friends do to help? Check every closet, nook and cranny and ask a friend or two if they have appropriate donations for prom-worthy dresses, shoes and accessories like earrings and necklaces. “The more bling, the better. The higher the shoes, the better,” laughs Hyman. And for the boys, any suits, tuxes and shoes are very appreciated, as well. Also, coat racks are needed for organizing the clothing.
Wilton’s Collection Point is at the William Raveis office, 44 Old Ridgefield Rd., near Open House Gift Shop, from now until the beginning of March. For questions or to arrange a personal pick up, please contact Lisa Bender via email or by calling 203.246.6986.