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Since 2002, dreams have come true for
Corona del Sol, Marcos de Niza and other
high school girls who otherwise would
not have been able to afford prom
dresses.
Now the program has been recognized
statewide with an award commending the
partnerships it has fostered.
The Cinderella Affair was the brainchild
of Kyrene Corridor residents Cheryl
Hornyan, Gloria Fox
and their daughters. They enlisted the
help of Tempe Community Council, the
Tempe Parks and Recreation Department
and the East Valley Women’s League to
set up a program to gather donated prom
dresses and give them to girls in need.
Cinderella Affair was recognized in
August by the Arizona Parks and
Recreation Association with a 2006
Partnership Award, which recognizes
collaborations of public and private
groups that have made significant
contributions in the field of parks,
recreation and cultural services.
Mayor Hugh Hallman will highlight the
award during the announcements portion
of the City Council meeting that starts
at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in City
Council Chambers, 31 E. Fifth St.
More than 2,000 dresses are in storage
today, thanks to the enthusiastic
support of the original partners, along
with the East Valley Women’s League and
the Valley community. More than 100
volunteers offer their services to the
program each year.
Every March at Pyle Adult Recreation
Center, volunteers help the girls select
the right dress, shoes and accessories;
a sewing group, the Needlewielders,
provides on-the-spot alterations.
Western States Dry Cleaning and
Launderers Association provides free dry
cleaning once a dress is selected. The
United Phoenix Firefighters Charities
and Tempe Diablos financially support
the program.
In 2004, Mr. Formal began offering 50
free tux rentals for male students
needing prom attire. Last year’s prom
season served students from 43 Valley
high schools, including public, private
and charter, as well as schools in
Florence and Prescott.
In 2007, Cinderella Affair is
tentatively scheduled March 30-31 at
Pyle Center, 655 E. Southern Ave.,
Tempe.
Information: (480) 858-2310 or visit
www.CinderellaAffair.org
-- Contributed by Nikki Ripley, city of
Tempe communication and media relations
director |
