Junior League helping with prom dresses

Once upon a time, a girl named Cinderella needed a little help from a Fairy Godmother to go to the royal ball. On Saturday, April 18, the Junior League of Kane & DuPage Counties Inc. will make similar dreams come true for hundreds of modern-day Cinderellas at its fifth annual "Cinderella's Closet" event, a formalwear boutique where financially-challenged high school girls can "shop" for dresses, jewelry, purses. Pretty much everything that a girl might need for prom - all free of charge.

"Every girl deserves to feel like a princess at her prom and that is what Cinderella's Closet is all about," said league president Tracy Rogers. "Our goal is to provide every girl who comes in with a wonderful, unforgettable experience and to send them home with everything they need to feel like a true princess on prom night."

At the event, girls are greeted by volunteer "Fairy Godmothers" who serve as their personal shoppers as they select from among thousands of beautiful dresses - all current styles, many new with tags, in sizes ranging from petites to plus sizes. Once each girl has found her dream dress, she can then "shop" for jewelry and other accessories to make her outfit complete. Additionally, seamstresses and hairstylists will be on hand to take care of quick alternations and offer suggestions on what looks will work best with each dress.

To be eligible for entry, girls need only be currently in high school with proof of enrollment. No proof of financial need is required.

The fifth annual "Cinderella's Closet" event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Aurora Community Center, 501 College Ave. in Aurora. For information, visit www.jlkd.org or e-mail cinderellascloset@jlkd.org.

The Junior League of Kane & DuPage Counties Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children at risk in our community.