Bright Futures for Youth has taken over the Nevada County Cinderella Project, a nonprofit that provides free dresses, gowns, suits tuxedos and other formal clothes for high school students for proms and other special events.
The Cinderella Project ensures that cost is not an issue for students to attend these special events.
About 100 students – including many girls in The Friendship Club – benefit from the organization every year.
The Cinderella Project has expanded to include boys and young men’s clothing, including tuxedos, suits, sportscoats, dress vests, dress shirts, dress shoes and belts. The boutique also includes women’s dress suits.
Individuals and small-business owners, including numerous clothing stores in the community, have donated clothes since the Cinderella Project started in 2010.
The Cinderella Project would greatly appreciate donations of women’s suits (all sizes) for young women who prefer an option to dresses.
“The Cinderella Project has greatly exceeded its mission of helping low-income students to attend and enjoy a very special event in their lives and help a dream for many come true,” said organization President Sarah Gordon, who took over for founder Teri Nelson in 2012. “Now, it’s time for me to step aside and pursue some of my other goals. I’m leaving the Cinderella Project in excellent hands.”
For now, the Cinderella Project will remain at 650 Gold Flat Road in Nevada City. Some girls with Bright Futures for Youth will volunteer at the boutique, providing them a hands-on experience in business and retail.
The Friendship Club and the Cinderella Project started working together in 2011. Many girls from The Friendship Club have volunteered as models for Cinderella Project fundraisers. “The Cinderella Project has been a longtime resource to The Friendship Club and the community, providing beautiful dresses, gowns and prom attire for years,” said Jennifer Singer, Executive Director of Bright Futures for Youth. “The Cinderella Project is a perfect fit for Bright Futures for Youth, and we will continue to offer free prom attire to youth throughout the community, regardless of whether they participate in Bright Futures for Youth programs. We are also making plans to offer boys clothing for proms and other special occasions.”
Many of the Cinderella Project’s volunteers will continue with the organization. But more volunteers are always needed for the program.