Volunteers practice modeling before fashion show
Submitted by Julie Beckner
Hospice Care Corporation held its first annual Cinderella Project March 28, in Gilmer County. The event was hosted by Glenville State College through the Community Enrichment Program. The evening was a complete success with many young ladies going home with gowns in their arms and smiles on their faces.
The Cinderella Project was started six years ago by Kim Riley, Hospice Care employee. Ms. Riley had heard about projects similar to this taking place in large cities and saw the importance to bring this event to our rural West Virginia counties. The Cinderella Project was designed to help young ladies that wanted to attend their prom, but could not afford to do so. There have been hundreds of young ladies that have benefit from the Cinderella Project over the past six years.
This year's event was a success because of our community members and the support that was given by so many businesses. Gowns and accessories were donated by numerous residents and businesses within our Hospice Care service area and surrounding areas. Locally, The Formal Affair, of Flatwoods donated beautiful gowns and formal wear for the students to choose from. The shop owner, Ms. Triplett, generously gave the gorgeous gowns that many of us only see during pageants. Common Cents Consignment of Spencer and Olivario's of Clarksburg also supported the event by donating numerous stunning gowns for the girls to try on and select. The gown pricing for the event ranged from $5 to $20. Accessories and shoes were sold for $1 each.
The event started at a fast pace and ended the same way. Several area schools were represented by ladies that modeled the donated gowns. The models arrived early to choose their gown and rehearse the program that took place later in the evening and eat dinner provided by Di Carlos Pizza of Glenville.
Nearly 500 gowns were donated for the project
The following young ladies, and escorts, proudly represented their schools. Braxton County: Allyson Peters, Callie Simms, Miranda Riffle, Mandy Pendry and Kimberly Gump. Calhoun County: Berlisha Brannon and Leslie Garrett. Gilmer County: Emma Hickman, Latasha Henderson, Mackenzie Langman, Bethany Miller, Kasey Miller and three escorts; Justin Powers (WVU Student), Nathan Cottrill and Freddy Craig. Roane County: Robin Montgomery and Tara Cone. Wirt County: Shanel Watson, Lacey Valentine, Jayme Valentine, Kirstyn Knicely, Miranda Carter and Jessica Alt.
Because of the Glenville State College Community Enrichment Program allowing Hospice Care to utilize the Ballroom and surrounding areas, the evening was very special and ran smoothly for the participants. The Ballroom was decorated in beautiful gold and soft pink colors by Cowana Brown and her son, Kipp Colvin (GSC employee). Ms. Brown supplied the decorations for the stage through Fruth Pharmacy. Mr. Colvin secured the entire 3rd floor of the Alan Mollohan Campus Community Center for the event, providing plenty of dressing rooms for the girls to help them find that one perfect gown out of nearly 500 donations.
Specialty stations were available for the ladies to stop by and receive advice on prom hair styles from Crystal Brenneman of Crystal Lynn's Hair Trendz, make-up and accessories from Sue Papouschek, Avon Representative and Heather Papouschek, Fashion Design major at WVU, offered how to alter or change a gown, if needed, for low cost.
Preparation and success for the Cinderella Event is credited to the following volunteers that ensured all details were in order: Kipp Colvin, Caren Reaser, Cowana Brown, Joan Powers, Debbie Powers, Julie Beckner, Kim Riley, Kerri Smith, Heather Papouschek, Karin Miller, Bethany Miller, Kasey Miller, Jared Watson, Becca Heater, Alyssa Hickman, Brittany Church, Holli Raines, Holly Cecil, Crystal Brenneman, Julie McCumbers, Gina Taylor, Sue Papouschek and the Hospice Care Staff.
Hospice Care offers sincere gratitude to those that supported and assisted in making the Cinderella Project come true: Glenville State College - Community Enrichment Program, Fruth Pharmacy, volunteer models from area schools, community members, The Formal Affair of Flatwoods, Talbotts of Parkersburg, Crystal Lynn's Hair Trendz, Minnie Hamilton Health System, Gilmer County Health Department, Hospice Care Thrift Shop of Glenville, Curves of Gassaway, Common Cents Consignment of Spencer, The Shoe Story of Bridgeport, McDonalds of Glenville, Minnich Florist of Glenville, Grantsville and Gassaway, DiCarlos Pizza of Glenville, Dress Barn of Flatwoods, Sunfire Tanning of Glenville, United Bank of Glenville and Sue Papouschek - Avon Representative.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Hospice Care Corporation Indigent Fund and Camp Nabe Bereavement fund for children. Hospice Care Corporation is dedicated to providing excellent end-of-life care to patients, providing support and bereavement services to their family members, and providing community services and end-of-life education for residents within our service area.
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