Formal dress drive kicks off with ticket giveaway

The Fairy Godmother Project at Clothes That Work got its start in 2008 with help from Disney On Ice. For the past three years, The Dayton Chapter of The Links, Inc. has also been a partner.

“Our goal was to make it possible for every girl to feel like a princess on her prom day,” executive director Lindsay Ackley said. “This program has made such an impact on local girls and their parents that we have continued to make the Fairy Godmother Project an annual event.”

Since its inception, 1,500 prom dresses have been given to local teens thanks to the generosity of folks in our community.

Ackley says what makes the project so special is that it promotes self-confidence.

“Every young lady is made to feel like a princess on the day of the dress distribution and leaves with a beautiful gown of her own,” she said. “It is magical to watch each girl find her perfect dress. And, it is heartwarming to see parents enjoy the moment without worrying about how they will afford to make their daughter’s wish come true.”

Here’s what you can donate to become a Fairy Godmother or Godfather:

  • Formal Dresses: Short or long prom/teen appropriate dresses (dresses size 18 and up are especially needed)
  • Accessories
  • Costume jewelry
  • Formal shoes
  • Evening purses
  • Make-up samples
  • Stanchions, fans, long mirrors and jewelry display fixtures
  • Gift certificates for salon services, restaurants, dry cleaning and other prom related services to be given to essay contest winners and as door prizes
  • Photography services for the day of Fairy Godmother

You can donate one item or many. Some people collect dresses, shoes and accessories at their business, school or other establishment. Donations should be received by March 2.

Dresses can be dropped off from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month at Clothes That Work, 1133 S Edwin C Moses Blvd., Ste 392. Your donations can also be dropped off during regular business hours at Oakwood Florist, 2313 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. Phone: (937) 293-1196.

Volunteers are also needed to sort, steam and prepare dresses and to set up and run the event that’s held on March 16.

If you do not have a dress but want to support the event, you can make donations online at www.clothesthatwork.org (donate button is located on the homepage).

On Saturday, March 16, 2013, dresses and accessories will be distributed, at no cost, to prom-going young women in need. For more details, contact Kelly Brown at (937) 222-3778,ext. 150.

Donate and get free tickets

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, a Royal Dress Drive Kickoff will be hosted in partnership with the Dayton Chapter of The Links, Inc. and Disney on Ice. Those donating a gown that day will receive two vouchers per family for Disney on Ice Presents “Treasure Trove,” which runs at the Nutter Center from Oct. 18-21.

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