Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, some wishes do come true.  Fairy Goodmothers, an organization that supports teenage girls throughout Central Ohio provide free prom gowns and accessories to those who need or want them.  Their shop, Cinderella’s Closet and Boutique is open for appointments on April 13th. Kathryn Persico, president of Fairy Goodmothers, said that the organization is run by volunteers and is a non-profit group that works year-round sourcing dress donations from the community, corporate donors, and local and national stores. 

“We work hard to provide a service to help those in need by offering dresses and accessories free of charge. Prom is a memorable milestone for a teenager, and we want all students to be able to attend and look fabulous while doing so. We have dresses in hard-to-find sizes to ensure that we are fully stocked up for our Cinderella’s Closet and Boutique,”  she said.

LHS freshman Dahlyla Swingle recently received a dress from Fairy Goodmothers.

“I feel extremely grateful and happy that I was given this opportunity. The experience was interesting.  There were so many dresses and I got to pick out which ones I wanted to try. Then my personal shoppers would help me get the dress on and give their own feedback,” she said.

Persico said that shopping at Cinderella’s Closet and Boutique is a unique experience.

“We pair each student with a Personal Shopper who is on hand to help them find the perfect dress that fits and flatters.  We take color preferences, style, prom themes, you name it – into consideration.  Our goal is that every student walks out with a beautiful dress, accessories, and jewelry that will make them truly shine for prom,” she said.

Swingle said that her dream dress would be a long pink gown in size 0 – which can be difficult to find.  With the wave of a wand, Fairy Goodmothers found exactly what Swingle wished.

“The people were so kind and they really influenced my opinion, they helped me out so much during the process. I believe the Fairy Good Mothers program is doing an amazing thing,” said Swingle.

LHS senior Shyleen Chamberlain said that she hoped to find a simple, but elegant gown and found what she wanted. Moreover, she thinks the organization is doing wonderful things by giving away free gowns. 

“I think it is kind and generous how people fix up dresses and give them to people who need prom dresses. Some people can’t afford dresses, and I believe it helps that they are a non-profit organization,” she said.

LHS junior Mercedes Herrick said that to her, the Fairy Goodmothers organization is  heroic. 

“I think that they are superheroes. Some people don’t have time to get a dress and some people just don’t have enough money,” she said.

Persico said that the goal of Fairy Goodmothers is to break the financial barrier that prohibits some students from attending the prom and other formal dances that are important to high school students.

“The goal is to reduce the often costly barrier to go to prom or other end-of-year formal dances for high school students. We understand that the cost can often be high to attend prom between the dress, shoes, hair, nails – it all adds up. We make sure to have dresses in hard-to-find sizes to ensure we are fully stocked up for our Cinderella’s Closet Boutique,” she said.

Wishing for a special prom dress?  Hurry before the clock strikes and it is too late.  Cinderella’s Closet Boutique is open for a short period of time.  To register for an appointment, click the link www.fairygoodmothers.org.  The last appointment day is April 13th. Until then, Cinderella’s Closet and Boutique is open from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.