She's Providing a 'Fairy Tale' for Kids in Need

This may be the ultimate example of turning a bad situation into a good one — a very good one.

Dana Collins of Johnston could have just written off the costs of a reception at The Westin Hotel in Providence after deciding in January to cancel her wedding and learning that she couldn't get a refund.

Instead, she explained during a recent interview, "I asked myself: 'What can I do to turn this negative situation into a positive situation and help peoples' lives?' And I thought of Make-A-Wish Foundation — I wanted to do something to touch these kids' lives."

When she contacted Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Collins recalled, "they were very excited," and have organized the July 21 event into the , scheduled to start at 7 pm.

Collins explained that she had planned a "fairy tale theme," and the gala will maintain that by inviting kids to dress as princes and princesses for the event.

Tickets for the gala — to include dinner, dancing, and a silent auction — are $50, and Collins said that "100 percent of the proceeds, from the ticket sales to the silent auction to any donations we get that night, everything's going directly to Make-A-Wish Foundation."

Hosting the event will also give Collins a chance for her fairy tale ending.

"I think it's going to make me happy to see that I can help the lives of children who are really in a negative situation — I can feel that I've done my job and reached my goal," she said.

For more information, or to order tickets, contact Collins at (401) 744-2784. Checks payable to Our Wish For You Gala, c/o 166 Morgan Ave., Johnston RI 02919.