All that Glitters and Shines

The Ballroom Blitz Tiara Time
Barrie ON, Feb 23, 2009

We all know about Cinderella – a girl down on her luck benefits from the wonder of a great dress and the help of a magical fairy godmother. While the story of Cinderella is a fairytale to most, several women from our area are making it a reality for local under-privileged girls who are graduating grade 12 this year. These women are volunteers for an organization called The Ballroom Blitz, a nonprofit organization that donates free prom dresses and accessories to high school girls from across Simcoe County who could not otherwise afford them. Started by local businesswomen Robin Hadfield in 2006, The Ballroom Blitz, with the help of corporate and individual donors, has played fairy godmother to over 300 girls.

With many families struggling to make ends meet as a result of the high cost of living, luxuries like prom dresses are often unattainable. The prom is considered one of the traditional rites of passage, with thousands of students across the country participating in the event each year. But the costs are often very high – a formal dress easily tops $200 and tickets for the event as some schools cost more than $100 per couple.

During The Ballroom Blitz 2008 boutique ‘dress giveaway’ days, 200 girls were outfitted and accessorized. The girls came from 24 high schools throughout the Simcoe County region. The girls are able to choose from hundreds of gowns of all different colours, sizes, fabrics and designers. “I attended the ballroom blitz and was given an absolutely gorgeous dress to wear to my prom. I felt like such a princess and cannot thank you and those who donated the dresses enough”, exclaimed Victoria, a graduate student who selected a dress from the last boutique days.

Shannon Murree, Volunteer Coordinator, is very excited this year as she says “We are looking forward to our annual dress drive starting March 2 until March 21, and expect to get donations of some beautiful dresses. Our local community support has been tremendous”. “Dress or financial donations can be dropped off at any RE/MAX CHAY Realty offices in Barrie, Angus, Alliston, Innisfil or Tottenham, the administration offices of the Kozlov Centre, plus we are pleased that Kaelynn’s Bridal in Thornton is accepting donations of gowns for us again this year”. The Ballroom Blitz is now accepting dress donations or to get information on how you can participate visit their websitewww.ballroom-blitz.org