Cinderella Project Makes Dreams Come True for Pasco Teens

Pasco County teenage girls in need of prom dresses have fairy godmothers of a sort they can rely on to help. For the seventh year in a row, the Cinderella Project will give out gowns to girls in need.

“Both Laurie (Weiss) and I feel that the Cinderella Project is about more than just a dress,” said school board member Alison Crumbley, co-founder of the program. “It gives girls who may think they don’t have the opportunity to go to their high school prom that chance to have a wonderful evening.”

Through the program, Pasco County schoolgirls are able to receive new or gently used dresses at no charge. Accessories are also available. All teens need to do to get a gown is show up at a “boutique” this Saturday, April 2. Weiss, Crumbley and Jill Sellars will oversee two boutiques – one at 5642 Meadow Lane in New Port Richey, next to Meadow Lane Surgery Center, and one at 14150 6^th St. in Dade City..

Donations of gowns and accessories will be accepted through today, March 31, at all Pasco County high schools, Crumbley said. Donors can also drop off dresses at either boutique. Financial donations are also accepted. Items not used this year can be saved for next, she said.

The project was founded in 2005 and has helped thousands of girls since its inception, Crumbley said.

“Our goal is to be sure no young lady misses out on her prom because of a lack of funds," organizers said in a recent media release. "The only thing we can’t help them out with is a date, but we cover the rest.”

Saturday’s boutiques take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Teens should bring a school identification card along when they come to pick out their dresses, Crumbley said. For more information, call 727-858-1281 or 727-817-1010.