News

HOOKSETT – The owner of a Manchester beauty salon has joined the ranks of fairy godmothers at the Cinderella Project of New Hampshire, an all volunteer non-profit organization that gives prom gowns and formal accessories free of charge to financially challenged young women.

Janine D’Amelio, owner of The Ultimate Woman at 630 Sheffield Road in Manchester, has donated three makeover gift certificates, valued at $100 each, to the organization. The certificates will be given at random to three young women who visit an upcoming Cinderella Project boutique and take home their own special gown.

Upcoming boutiques at the Cinderella Project’s headquarters at Community Plaza, 1100 Daniel Webster Highway in Hooksett are scheduled from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m on March 19, April 2, April 9 and April 23.

The gift certificates cover an updo hairstyle, makeup application and manicure, to help young women cover the costs associated with getting ready for prom night. D’Amelio has also designated her salon as a drop off site for new and gently worn dresses for those who would like to donate their formal wear and accessories to the Cinderella Project.

“ This is something I can do to use my business and the skills we have to give back to the community and make a difference,” said D’Amelio. “I am happy to be involved in some way to make such an impact on young women in our area. ”

Cinderella Project of New Hampshire Executive Director Joanne Sowa said it’s the generosity of businesses like The Ultimate Woman that help the organization provide its services to qualified high school students. This year alone, the group has provided formal gowns and accessories free of charge to 90 young women across the state, including more than 60 during a recent traveling boutique to New Hampshire’s North Country. Since it’s inception, the group has assisted more than 700 young women.

“We provide the gown and accessories to help every young woman feel like a princess for a night,” said Sowa. “This donation from The Ultimate Woman helps us add that extra touch to cap off prom night preparations and give young women the self-confidence they deserve to help them enjoy one of the most memorable events in their high school careers.”

The Cinderella Project of New Hampshire is a non-profit organization that collects donations of formal gowns, shoes and accessories on a year-round basis and gives them to financially challenged young women so they can attend their high school prom or other formal occasions without worrying about the financial burden. Teens who qualify for public assistance are the primary beneficiaries of the program, which relies on recommendations from school officials, counselors, social workers, parents and others who interact with young women. The group is also making available new wedding gowns, free of charge, to military brides-to-be.

For more information, contact the Cinderella Project of New Hampshire at (603) 472-8043 or via the website www.thecinderellaprojectofnh.org. The Cinderella Project of New Hampshire is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.