BY KATLAN THOMERSON
Glasgow News 1
Let’s step into the world of Cinderella’s Closet and figure out how it’s making prom night unforgettable for young women across the nation.
Once upon a time in the heart of Kentucky, a chance encounter occurred when Founder Erin Peterson overheard a conversation at a consignment shop. Legend has it, a teenage girl was shopping for the “dress of her dreams” with her foster mom, but when it became time to check the price tag that dream seemed out of reach. Fortunately, Peterson overheard their conversation and volunteered to pay for the dress. Before leaving the store, the girl thanked Peterson and said that the dress made her feel like Cinderella, according to Courtney Benefield who is the Director of the South Central Cinderella’s Closet.
The following Spring, Peterson partnered with Immanuel United Methodist Church in Lakeside Park, Ky. to create the first shopping event of what is now known as the non-profit organization Cinderella’s Closet. Though the first organization located in Lakeside Park is a non-profit, not all of the sister organizations are non-profits.
“We work to achieve the same ideas, but we’re separate organizations,” Benefield said.
Today there are 17 Cinderella’s Closets across the U.S. Each location focuses on continuing Peterson’s mission of keeping the fairy tale alive by utilizing referrals and donations to provide girls in need of assistance a fairy tale inspired experience.
High school juniors and seniors are referred to the program by counselors, social workers, or community outreach coordinators. Those interested in the event in Barren and surrounding counties are encouraged to reach out to their local school’s Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinator to learn how to apply. Or follow the South Central Cinderella’s Closet for more information.
During the event, teenage girls get paired with a “fairy godmother” who guides them as they browse through a curated collection of dresses, shoes, and accessories.
“Currently we have 66 girls registered. We’re taking applications through Friday.” said Benefield. “I hope to get 85. Elf Cosmetics donated two tons of make-up; literally, two tons.”
Cinderella’s Closet relies on donations of new and gently used formal dresses, accessories, and make-up to make this event an experience that the girls will never forget. It’s a collaborative effort involving volunteers, schools, and local businesses. Visit cinderellasclosetnky.org for more information on how to donate.
Benefield brought Cinderella’s Closet to South Central Kentucky in 2014. A year after attending a Cinderella’s Closet event in Frankfort, she returned to Barren County and partnered with First United Methodist Church.
“A family friend reached out to us and told us about the event,” Benefield said. “After attending we worked with Northern Kentucky and Central Kentucky sister organizations to learn how to bring it here. It’s been a wonderful blessing.”
This year’s shopping event will be Saturday, March 9 at First United Methodist Church in Glasgow. Each “Cinderella” is assigned an appointment where they’ll be able to choose a dress, shoes, and jewelry.
“All of the girls will be given a goodie bag full of make-up from Elf and a couple of other things,” Benefield said. “We have a seamstress at the event for those who need alterations, and we’ll steam their dress before they leave.”
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