Rotaract Princess Project provides students opportunity to borrow dresses for special events

All models of the fashion show and the Princess Project committee members (Front, L-R): Tori, Kenzie, Destiny, Maggie, Aubrey, Ginger, Mara, Addison. (Middle, L-R): Megan, Eden, Emma, Kara. (Top, L-R): Committee members Emma Bartz, Sam Hamilton, Chandal Bradley, Jenna Pentland, and Amy Boyce.

The Goderich Rotaract Club hosted a fashion show on April 10, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Princess Project.

This program provides students with the opportunity to borrow gently used dresses for special events such as prom, semi-formals, and graduations. This program aims to empower students to attend school events and feel confident and beautiful without the financial burden.

The Gala showcased a stunning array of fashionable dresses, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, and community support.

Attendees enjoyed an evening of entertainment, supporting a cause that helps makes dreams come true.

The at-the-door donations help Rotaract with ongoing costs including mending and dry cleaning.

Rotaract is thrilled to have amazing student volunteers from GDCI, St. Mary’s, St. Anne’s and SHDHS. These students graciously modeled dresses with enthusiasm, lighting up the runway.

Businesses and individuals also came forward to sponsor some new dresses for the Princess Project.

Rotaract is grateful for the generosity of Pickell and Ferguson Law, Hill Hair and Makeup, Councillor Liz Petrie, Parrish and Heimbecker, and an anonymous donor for each sponsoring a new dress from the Old Mill.

Compass Minerals also sponsored a new collection of eight dresses, and the Old Mill not only provided Rotaract with a discount on dresses purchased as sponsorships, but they further sponsored a collection of 22 new dresses.

Support from the community is what makes this program remain successful. From donations to sponsorship, support in person and on social media, the support appears endless.

Both Colborne Lakeview Photography and Reflections Photography by Natasha provided a discounted rate and beautiful pictures of the fashion show gala, while Olive and Rose Flower Studio lent the evening some artificial corsages.

Furthermore, NJS Design: Event and Party Rentals provided the evening with discounted décor, Twisted Genius Designs provided the girls with jewelry for the show, and The Livery Theatre provide a discounted use of their venue.

AM ETFO covered the remaining costs of the evening.

Huron County Museum allowed Rotaract to use their mannequins on the night of the event, and Emme Bartz provided a monetary contribution, while local musician Maggie Grace modeled in the show and performed two songs for the crowd.

It took a village to pull the gala off and Rotaract members are grateful for the support from the community.

Heading into prom and graduation season, the Princess Project will host some pop-ups at local schools to promote the program.

Currently, the Princess Project hosted a lunch hour pop-up at GDCI on May 8 and will host another one at CHSS on May 16.

For those interested in, or those who know someone who might be interested in borrowing a dress for prom or grad, please check out Facebook and Instagram accounts (Rotaract Princess Project) or visit https://rotaractgoderich.wixsite.com/home

Samantha is a Rotaract Club Member, and Princess Project Committee Member