By Brandy Smith, ’08

The prom is a magical night for most high school students. For many students, however, attending a prom is not affordable. Dresses, tuxes, corsages and tickets can be expensive. Meredith Fashion Association wants to help girls who may not be able to afford prom dresses. For the past five years they have held an event called the Cinderella Project. The project is headed by advisor Diane Ellis, professor and program coordinator for the Fashion Merchandising and Design program, and all fashion students can participate.

“[We] collect gently used prom dresses for high school students who need a little help making their special day even more special with a beautiful dress,” said Kaitlin Ryan, president of Meredith Fashion Association.

The donated dresses come from all kinds of places. Sororities, Meredith students and members of the local community have donated their previously worn formal dresses.

Information about the project is sent to all the high schools in Wake County, and guidance counselors provide low-income students with a coupon to get a dress.

A “store” in Cary Towne Center opened up for the students to come and choose their dresses. This year’s goal is to give out 200 dresses.

Ellis believes that this event benefits everyone.

“This is a win/win project for all involved,” Ellis said. “Those who donate get a tax write-off. Girls get free dresses for their proms, and all the leftovers go to school drama departments. Nothing is thrown away.  It is recycling at its finest.”

Meredith College will accept dresses through March 23 in Martin Hall, room 204. The final Cinderella Project “store” date is Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. -6 p.m. in Cary Towne Center.

For more information, contact Diane Ellis at (919) 760-8412 or ellisd@meredith.edu.