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Cinderella Project Still Working Magic

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By KLINT LOWRY

klowry@suncoastnews.com

Published: March 26, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Say, girls, need a date for your high school prom? Well, you're on your own there.

But if you have a Prince Charming in your sights - or at least a frog who cleans up nicely - and the only thing standing between you and an enchanted evening is a wardrobe emergency, a dedicated team of fairy godmothers is standing by with magic wands at the ready.

For the fifth year, the Cinderella Project will provide new or gently used prom dresses and accessories at no cost to young women who find themselves without a budget for prom season. The program is open to girls attending any Pasco County public high school.

"The school board is so great about it," said Alison Crumbley. She and Laurie Weiss have been the program's head "godmothers" since its inception.

In fact, it was school board member Kathryn Starkey who came up with idea for the Cinderella Project, Crumbley said. Starkey approached her and Weiss separately about organizing it.

Both were friends of Starkey but were strangers to each other when they started the project.

"Now we're like the left hand and right hand," Crumbley said, "only we don't know which is which."

Regardless, the Cinderella Project has been successful. Though not an official Pasco County School District program, the project is acknowledged and promoted by all Pasco public high schools. Last year, 150 girls' proms were enhanced by the project.

This year, Crumbley said, it's fair to assume even more girls will seek assistance.

"Boutique events" are scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday and April 4 at two locations. Girls in west Pasco can come to 4745 U.S. 19, in the Community Plaza just south of Gulf Harbors. In east Pasco, the boutique, to be run by Jill Sellars, will be at 7715 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills.

Girls need only bring their student IDs to take part in the boutiques.

In anticipation of greater demand, the Cinderella Project is seeking donations of prom-style dresses and accessories. Donations can be dropped off at any Pasco County high school.

Crumbley explained the definition of "prom-style dresses" can get a little tricky.

"We don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth," Crumbley said.

First and foremost, however, they must be in good condition. They also should be in style and age-appropriate.

"We don't want something for an old lady going on a cruise," Crumbley said. "We also don't want anything for a 'hoochie mama.'

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Along with dresses, purses, shoes and costume jewelry also are needed, she said.

Cash donations to the Cinderella Project also are greatly appreciated, Crumbley said.

One reason the boutiques are held on consecutive weekends: If a girl comes in and there's nothing in her size, the godmother can go out and buy something and have it the next session.

The goal of the Cinderella project is to make sure no girl misses the prom because she can't afford it. Likewise, they have the Prince Charming Project, which provides $50 gift certificates to Sacino's Formalwear to help guys look their spiffiest on prom night.

For information or to make a cash donation to the Cinderella Project, call (727) 858-1281 or (727) 389-3112.

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