In 2011, thanks to the efforts of the Metro St. Louis Cinderella Project and its hundreds of volunteers, more than 150 girls from more than 40 high schools in the St. Louis metropolitan area were able to attend their proms. These girls, unable to acquire prom dresses on their own because of their families’ financial situations, received free dresses, and in most cases, free hairstyles, make-up and manicures. Most important, they received the confidence to enjoy one of the most special nights of their lives.
Belleza Salon of O’Fallon, MO is an enthusiastic supporter of the initiative; the staff volunteers its time and talents to transform the hair and make-up for many prom-going “clients” each year, along with other fundraising and awareness activities. This year, the salon team, with the support of Matrix, is also getting behind the pre-prom dress collection efforts. On January 24, Belleza owner Robyn Clark will open the salon to anyone who wishes to donate a gently used or new prom dress. Throughout the day, visitors will enjoy music, a special jewelry sale and free Bare Mineral make-up applications. Also on hand will be a team of Matrix Spread the Love Ambassadors, recent beauty school graduates selected by Matrix to spend a year traveling the country, experiencing all that the beauty profession has to offer at a grass roots level. The STL Ambassadors will provide complimentary conditioning treatments and a full-sized Matrix hairspray to everyone that donates a dress, as well as prom beauty and style tips for school-aged contributors and their parents. They will also mentor students from a local beauty school, who will style the hair for some of the prom-goers and will be on hand for the dress drive at Belleza. (Belleza also has the distinction of being designated as a Matrix Spread the Love Salon.)
Clark and her husband also own the Hazelwood Bowling Alley in Hazelwood, MO, and later on the 24th, the dress round-up moves to the bowling alley! Everyone who brings a gown will be invited to bowl a free game.
According to Diane Wolferding, who oversees development and community relations for the Community Council of St. Charles Country, once the dresses are collected, a Cinderella Project boutique is set up at the Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters, MO. The organization receives referrals for 150 girls from school counselors throughout the metropolitan St. Louis area. These girls visit the boutique and enjoy a personal shopping experience! Volunteers help the girls to select their perfect dress and are on hand to help with alterations and accessories. Once all of the designated girls have chosen their dresses, the boutique opens to the public. PINK Saturday, March 10th is the opening day for the public sale, where hundreds of remaining dresses are offered for $29 for the remainder of the month. Numerous area businesses, high schools, colleges and women’s groups are involved—setting up, collecting, transporting and staffing the boutique, and providing alterations, personal shopping and beauty services.
Clark initially became involved with the Cinderella Project when she was styling a young client for her prom. The client brought a friend along, who watched and complimented her pal, but didn’t have the resources to have her own hair done for the prom. “She was so sweet, so I did the friend’s hair for free,” says Clark. “That got me thinking that there are so many kids who don’t get to have the wonderful prom experience. I mentioned it to a friend from the Chamber of Commerce, who connected me with Diane and the local Cinderella Project.”
Now, says Clark, the 30 Belleza stylists know and love the fact that they will participate in the project each year. “For our team, this project is all part of working in our salon,” Clark comments. “We know that we’re all very blessed, and we know that it’s important to give back.”
A Metro St. Louis Cinderella Project Prom Dress Round-Up will be held Tuesday, January 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Belleza Salon, 3449 Pheasant Meadow Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63368. For information, contact Robyn Clark at 314-276-1133 or robyn@mybellezasalon.com. Or visit www.mybellezasalon.com.
The fun continues from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. the same day at the Hazelwood Bowl, 210 Fee Fee Hills Drive, Hazelwood, MO 63042.
