“Just leave it to me, what a gown this will be!” ~ Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother

For many high school students, the high cost of attending prom keeps this rite of passage out of reach. But, thanks to Assistance League^® of the Bay Area, many young men and women were referred through their schools to participate in Operation Cinderella.

When a senior female participates in a Cinderella Boutique Day, she arrives at her designated time and is whisked into a room full of glittering gowns, spectacular shoes, gorgeous purses, and exquisite jewelry. The choices are endless!

However, to help guide her through her transformation from school-girl-by-day to belle of the ball is her personally-assigned fairy godmother.

On the chapter’s last day of service, Bethany, one of the program’s clients, tried on several selections ranging in color and design, until she found the perfect one. Bethany left with a huge smile on her face with her new dress and matching accessories intact.

A few days before the prom, Bethany was trying on her selections and in the process of doing so, noticed the zipper had ripped. Although volunteers were willing to reopen and allow her the opportunity to choose another gown, she was unsure of whether she could arrive before the building closed for the evening. Tears were flowing at the prospect of this dream dress not being worn.

However, Bethany’s fairy godmother, Arlis Miles, sprang into action. After examining the photo she had received, she determined it was a simple fix. She promptly reached out to the chapter’s good friend, supporter, and talented seamstress, Jane Sweeney, proprietor of My Little Giraffe.
Jane made the repair in short order and the dress was delivered back to Bethany by Arlis the next day.

Jane remarked, “Arlis – you made my day by asking me to sew – it was such a small thing I did – and I was happy to do it – it felt great to help.”
Jayne Dannecker, the program chairman, thought otherwise. “Both Arlis and Jane were true fairy godmothers in every sense of the word. Their compassion and caring guaranteed Bethany would look and feel beautiful.”