A local philanthropic group, The Cinderella Project of Lowndes County, will be conducting its first annual “Gown a Gal” dress distribution Saturday, Feb. 27, at the former Lia Fashions building on Highway 45 North in Columbus.
This event is for all Lowndes County high school girls who need help in acquiring a formal gown for their school”s prom or special event. Any eligible student referred to the project will receive one gown and coordinating accessories from the selection of donations, completely free of charge.
The Cinderella Project has collected approximately 400 new and gently-used gowns for students to choose from. Gowns range in all shapes, shades, styles and sizes. Shoes, jewelry, purses, new make-up and several other applicable sundries will also be available.
The event will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for referred students. There will be a dress selection station, hair and make-up preparation, professional photography by Harper Photography, and local merchants with discounted products.
How to participate
In order to be referred to attend the event, the student should contact her high school”s guidance counselor for the appropriate form. Any student with financial constraints will be considered eligible.
The Cinderella Project will not conduct background checks, but are relying on solid referrals from the school counselors. Megan Brown, the project founder, said, “All young girls are entitled to experience prom or their school”s special event. It”s a milestone that all of us hold dear. No Cinderella will miss the ball on our watch this year.”
Once a referral has been made by the student”s counselor, a representative will contact the eligible student to set up an appointment time for Feb. 27.
How you can help
Donate your dress. The Cinderella Project is accepting new and gently-used formals. Dress donations can be dropped off at Denise Good State Farm at 105A Alabama St., in Columbus, east of the intersection of Alabama and Gardner Boulevard.
“Gown a Gal” for prom by purchasing a $10 Community Fundraiser card for free Papa Johns Pizzas. Or, be a fairy godmother; prom tickets are $25 each, and even though dresses are taken care of, some students do not have funds to attend. Send them to the prom in style with a ticket in hand.
The project needs volunteers to set up and take down Feb. 26 and 27. Volunteer personal shoppers, loss prevention, hair stylists and runners will be needed all day Feb. 27.
Refer a friend: Do you know someone who needs a gown? Tell them to connect with their high school”s counselor.
For more information, contact Brown at 662-549-9492.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.