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Cinderella Project of New Hampshire Hosts North Country Boutiques Offering Free Prom Gowns to Young Women
Bridal gowns also available free of charge for military brides-to-be

NORTH STRATFORD – The Cinderella Project of New Hampshire, a non-profit organization that gives free formal gowns and accessories to young women facing financial hardship, is bringing its inventory to the North Country for students to try on and take home the perfect prom gown.

Boutiques will be held at the Stratford Public School, 19 School Street in North Stratford, New Hampshire on Friday, March 3 from 2 - 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 4 from 9:30 a.m. - Noon. Should there be inclement weather on either of those dates, the organization will hold a make up date on Sunday, March 5 from 9:30 a.m. – Noon.

Students from schools throughout New Hampshire’s North Country and over the border in Vermont are invited to browse racks of gowns, shoes and accessories and try them on before deciding on a formal outfit for their special event. The selection includes never-worn and gently-worn items donated by bridal shops and others throughout New England. Gowns are in a variety of styles, colors and sizes, including petite and plus.

The Cinderella Project has also started a program to give military brides-to-be a chance to pick out the perfect gown for a dream wedding. The organization has in stock brand new, designer gowns donated by bridal shops. Women interested in the wedding gowns need only call the Cinderella Project with their size preferences and a range of bridal gowns will be brought to the North Country boutiques to try on.

Teens who qualify for public assistance are the primary beneficiaries of the Cinderella Project of New Hampshire, which relies on recommendations from school officials, counselors, social workers, parents and others who interact with young women. Recipients are required to have a referral form completed by a school official, social services worker or parent to verify financial status. Individual circumstances are also carefully considered and all donations are made on a confidential basis.

In 2005, The Cinderella Project provided formal gowns and accessories free of charge to more than 475 young women across the state, including more than 100 during two traveling boutiques to New Hampshire’s North Country. Since it’s inception in 2002, the group has assisted more than 1,000 young women.

Though walk-in referrals are welcome, advanced notice of attendance at the North Country boutiques is appreciated, and will ensure a wide selection of gowns in the sizes needed. Women interested in attending the North Country boutiques must call the Cinderella Project of New Hampshire at (603) 472-8043 or Sarah Jackson, a parent from the Stratford Public School at (603) 636-2634. The organization can also be contacted via the web site www.thecinderellaprojectofnh.org. The Cinderella Project of New Hampshire is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.

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