LEONARDTOWN, Md. – Circle your calendar for March 16th & 17th at the Tolerance Hall, St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, where high schoolers are in for a transformative prom experience! Last year marked the first-ever, “Prom Dress Donation Drive for St. Mary’s County” event, a charitable initiative led by Brittany Gill and Katrina Cropp, aiming to provide free prom dresses, accessories, and tuxedos to local students.
This year marks an exciting expansion as the event transforms into the Cinderella Society, a rebranding inspired by the original name that sparked their mission. Before the pandemic, the Cinderella Society events once graced the Lexington Park Library.
This year, Gill and Cropp remain steadfast in their dedication to supporting teens in need.
“We felt it was especially important that students had as nice a prom as possible after everything they’d been through the past couple of years,” Gill told The BayNet last year.
The event now expanded to two days. The duo is now accepting donations of formal attire, accessories, and anything else to help attendees complete their looks. An updated list of donation dropbox locations can be found on the Cinderella Society’s Facebook page.
“We have a bigger space and it’s going to be two days this year!” exclaimed Gill, reflecting on the initiative’s growth.
Last year’s event saw significant success, but this year promises to be even better, with Gill expressing, “The joy of seeing girls find their dresses made all the hard work and time worth it!”
“We would love to see a larger, more diverse audience come. Eighth graders who need a dress for their eight-grade dance, college students who need a dress for a formal. All are welcome!” Gill emphasized.
The event aims to provide a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and welcomed. Gill stressed the importance of adding “a little magic” back into finding the perfect gown or tuxedo, ensuring no one misses out on the prom experience.
“We will have people there to help with hair and makeup and we will have seamstresses to help see minor alterations though,” Gill stated.
With the Cinderella Society’s dedication and community support, this year’s event promises to be truly enchanting for all involved.
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