Sunday, April 11, 2010 was Boutique Day at Memories Bridal and Evening Wear, downtown Kalamazoo, where over 50 young ladies from the Kalamazoo community were able to find a dress of their dreams and watch their dreams of going to prom, come true!Participating schools were, Kalamazoo Central, Loy Norrix, Galesburg, Parchment, Gull Lake to name a few, as well as, members of  Jeter’s Leaders; a local organization established to mentor local youth. Volunteers from the Junior League and the community attended Boutique Day and assisted the girls in carefully selecting dresses and helping them with alterations.

It is part of the mission of the Junior League of Kalamazoo to address the social, emotional and health needs of at risk children. The creation of the Cinderella Project 4 years ago was intended to provide Junior and Senior girls in Kalamazoo County, who are facing economic challenges, an opportunity to attend their schools prom, by providing a dress free of charge.  A prom is a milestone no girl should miss and by fulfilling that experience for a Junior or Senior the social and emotional issues she would struggle with, concerning prom, are lifted.

We would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to Adrienne and Derrick Wissner, owners of Memories Bridal and Evening Wear, for our venue, all the volunteers who shared their time on boutique day and for the various local businesses who made a monetary or service related donation. A special thank you to Urban Hair Salon and Portage Cleaners, who went above and beyond with their participation and support of the Cinderella Project. With the help of this community, the Junior League of Kalamazoo can continue with projects and programs that meet the needs of at risk youth in our community!

Thank You!