‘Fairy Godmothers' Program -- 2005 Holiday Project

By Nora A. Jones

Fairy Godmothers of Greater Rochester provided 175 high school girls with the dresses and accessories they couldn't have otherwise afforded to experience a memorable evening at the prom last spring. The local not-for-profit organization hopes to make even more dreams come true in 2006, with plans already in place for a Prom Fair on March 25.

“This will be the third year the Rochester chapter has put together a Prom Fair,” noted Amy Coté, a member of the Fairy Godmothers of Greater Rochester board of directors. “Some people are surprised to learn that this is both an urban and suburban outreach program. It isn't all inner city girls who can't afford to go to their prom. For many families, purchasing a dress and attending the prom is something that's just not in the budget , and yet attending the prom can do a lot for a young girl's self-confidence and self-worth; something she'll remember for the rest of her life.”

The GRAWA Connection

GRAWA members were encouraged to bring donations of their “next-to-new” formal wear to the GRAWA Holiday Party on Dec. 8, or drop off donations in care of Anita Pelletier at Nixon Peabody, Clinton Square . The main initiative will run through December, but GRAWA members are welcome to personally drop off donations to Fairy Godmothers at St. Patrick's Church in Victor on January 21 when they are hosting a special collection date.

“Monetary donations are also welcome as the program has expenses associated with storing the dresses throughout the year, providing discount coupons for shoes, and a number of other related costs,” said Coté who is a compliance attorney at the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority.

The Prom Fair

Fairy Godmothers of Greater Rochester tries to get the word out to all of the area schools and encourages girls to sign up in advance to attend the Prom Fair.

“Generally, anyone who qualifies for a school lunch program is eligible to participate,” noted Coté. “Others might come to us on the recommendation of a school counselor.”

When girls arrive for the Prom Fair, held at the Convention Center, there are approximately 30 seamstresses on hand, along with dozens of volunteers who become the “personal shopper” to accompany the girls through the process. Dresses are arranged by size and color, and each girl may select up to eight dresses at a time to try on.

“When they find the dress they love, a $5 donation is requested, but no one is turned away,” said Coté. “If needed, minor alterations can generally be done that day – on the premises. Meanwhile, the girls get to look at bracelets, tiaras, evening bags, wraps and other accessories that may be suitable to compliment their outfit. And each girl gets a $10 gift certificate to Payless Shoes.”

There are also “experts” on hand to advise girls about their hair and make-up. This year they hope to have additional resources to talk about nutrition, exercise and self-motivation.

If the girls can afford it, they are asked for a $2 donation per accessory item, but regardless of financial ability, everyone get some basic accessories. When they complete the prom fair process, their dress is steamed and bagged, and they get a gift bag of shampoo, conditioner and other beauty essentials.

“This is often a very big deal in a young girl's life,” said Coté. “It is more than just getting dressed up for a special evening. It is about self-esteem and self-confidence. We want to give each girl the opportunity to look and feel her best. While some girls can afford to dress in name brand clothes and make-up every day, others cannot, but this helps to level the playing field for an important evening.”

More On Fairy Godmothers

Fairy Godmothers is actually a nationwide program, operating under various names in different cities. In some locations it is called “The Glass Slipper Project” or the “Cinderella Program.” To learn more about the local Fairy Godmothers program, go to www.fairygodmothersrochester.com.

“We particularly need some larger sized dresses,” Coté added. “Our selection for size 12 and up is limited. It is also fantastic when we get designer labels, but we're so grateful to GRAWA and Nixon Peabody for selecting us fort this year's Christmas project.”

If a dress “looks” used, it probably isn't what you'd dress your own daughter in, so it's not the right thing for the Prom Fair. Besides desiring donated dresses, the organization is always in need of other resources such as climate controlled storage space, printing services, sponsors, and advertising opportunities. Cash donations can be sent to Fairy Godmothers of Greater Rochester, P.O. Box 132, Victor, NY 14564.

The organization has used cash donations to purchase rhinestone jewelry and evening bags from Claire's Boutique, along with $10 gift certificates to Payless Shoes to help each participant shop for those special shoes to go with her special dress.