Today, Feb. 29, and tomorrow, March 1, mark the end of the Cinderella and Prince Charming boutique event at the thrift shop of the YMCA at Virginia Tech.
The Cinderella Project aims to give teens on a budget their fairytale prom by providing gently used formal wear, shoes and accessories for young men and young ladies. The Blacksburg Junior Women’s Club has created a boutique-like experience in the YMCA event room, 1000 N. Main St. in Blacksburg, including individual shopping assistance, style and make-up tips and special gifts to all shoppers.
The philosophy behind the Cinderella Project is that prom is a special time in life. All students deserve the opportunity to attend if they wish. The problem for many young people is that prom is traditionally a very expensive event with the cost of purchasing clothing and accessories and grooming.
“We do not want to see young people who would like to attend their prom prevented from it because of the lack of resources,” said Ron Ovelgoenner, YMCA’s director of thrift shop operations.
“The Blacksburg Junior Women’s Club is involved in the Cinderella Project because not only does it align with our organization’s mission, but we saw a great chance to help young men and women feel beautiful on a day they thought attendance may not be possible due to the expense of formal wear,” said Amy Cook of the Blacksburg Junior Women’s Club.
The final boutique event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and from noon until 3 p.m. Sunday.
After that, prom attire will be available on a limited basis.
