Cinderella and Prince Charming Project
by Joan Perry | Contributing Writer
Who doesn’t imagine dressing like a prince or princess for a special evening? The sign for the Cinderella Project at John Wesley United Methodist Church caught my eye as I was on my West Ashley Wanderings a few years ago and it struck a sweet chord in my imagination.
The project was started by the SC Bar Young Lawyers Association. Scheduled right before Prom season, young lawyers from across South Carolina swap their legal briefs to play fairy godmother, collecting dresses and accessory donations for young ladies in need during prom season for over twenty years.
The day before the event last year, I joined a team of volunteers, carrying armful after armful of colorful evening gowns from a container pod into the building, sorting and sizing as we worked. The room exploded with color and included shoes, jewelry, mannequins, clothes racks and mirrors. We set up an entire changing room. The work paused frequently for squeals of “Look at this one!”
Meanwhile there were continuous deliveries. Cars pulled up dropping off bags and boxes – many brand new dresses donated by bridal wear stores including expensive designer gowns. From tiny size 0, to XXXLs, homemade to name brand designer, bright pink to black, there was something for everyone. Some still had price tags (up to $800!) and others were so beautiful I couldn’t help whispering, “Ooooooh, I wouldn’t mind this one!”
Most gowns are donated by community contributors bringing up to twenty items. Bridal stores have been generous, donating sample sizes of new bridesmaid dresses. Jewelry stores have contributed boxes of old stock.
On the day of the event, attendees (any area student preparing for prom!) are assigned a personal shopper to lead them to their size and color options. There are changing areas and even a seamstress on hand for minimal alterations. They are assisted in finding accessories to complete their outfit. There is no charge.
THIS YEARS NEEDS:
Donations: Find current information at: www.cinderellaprojectsc.com. Donations for this year should be dropped off before Tuesday, Feb. 20. There are multiple drop off locations at area Law Offices listed below.
Formal dresses and accessories are needed. All sizes are welcome including very small and large. Dress shoes, wraps, clutches and jewelry items are needed.
The new Prince Charming Boutique is starting from scratch this year for young gentlemen. Suits, separate dress jackets and pants are welcome, along with a need for ties, bow ties and cufflinks.
VOLUNTEER HELP:
Volunteer help is needed on set-up day Friday, Feb. 23. Muscle is welcome for set-upday and then to help take down the racks on the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 24. On the shopping day, volunteers serve as personal shoppers, escorting the shopper to sizes, colors and accessories.
NEW THIS YEAR:
New location this year! The event will be held at Mt. Moriah Church, 7396 Rivers Ave., in North Charleston.
Also new this year is the Prince Charming Boutique. Young men will be invited to shop for their prom wear and hopefully leave with an outfit that might have future use.
DATE & LOCATION:
Shopping day is Saturday, Feb. 24. Any area student is welcome to attend. Information is sent to guidance counselors, but do share the word to any area high school student preparing for prom. This is a community event supporting our local youth.
Co-coordinators Kendall Miller (Kendall@ramsdalelaw.com and Savannah Hurteau (Savannah@laurentaylorlaw.com), both clearly remember the excitement of planning for their own proms and are excited to share the magic. It is a huge project. Participation dipped during the pandemic but in prior years, between 400-500 young ladies found their perfect gown each year at this local event. Kendall herself has three walk-in closets in her home already filled to capacity. Both ladies expressed their gratitude for the generosity and support of the Charleston community for so generously supporting this special time in the lives of local young people.
Stay healthy my friends, and wave at me as I wander. Send ideas for upcoming columns to westashleywanderer@gmail.com.
Donation Drop Off Locations for 2024:
Viva Law Firm
672 Marina Drive, Suite 101, Charleston, 29492
*Drop-off by appointment only
Contact: Lauren Acquaviva – Lauren@vivalawsc.com
Paisley of Daniel Island
194 Seven Farms Dr., Charleston, South Carolina 29492
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Contact: Lori (owner) – shop@paisleydi.com
Law Office of Taylor Long, LLC
1412 Ashley River Road Charleston, 29407
Contact: Taylor Long – taylor@taylorlonglaw.com
Shelly Leeke Law Firm
6060 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, 29418
Contact: Carol Pleasant – carol.p@leekelaw.com
Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Contact first)
Ramsdale Law Firm, LLC
1476 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 5, Mount Pleasant, 29464
Contact: Kendall Miller – kendall@ramsdalelaw.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-5; Friday 9-2
Lauren Taylor Law
125 River Landing Dr., Suite 204, Daniel Island, SC 29492
Contact: Savannah Hurteau – Savannah@laurentaylorlaw.com
