Cinderella’s Closet Defrays Student Prom Costs [AUDIO]

Cinderella's Closet of Monmouth County is continuing its work this spring by providing less fortunate students around New Jersey the chance to attend their prom.

What's so great about the Garden State? Let us know by using the form at the end of this story.

The charity was the brainchild of then-high school students, Stephanie Tomasetta and Katie Adams, who started it about six years ago.

The idea was to offer a place where these less fortunate kids could get furnished with prom attire and accessories.

PR Director Mary Pat Serhus says the overall goal is "to make sure that no high school student has to forfeit the life-long memories associated with attending their prom."

Cinderella's Closet holds annual boutiques where students are given the red carpet treatment with a fully stocked prom showroom and, even a personal shopper.

"We want to make sure we provide as much help to the students who really need," she said.

The main funding for the program and prom boutiques come from the annual Prom Fashion Showcase. This year's event is being held on Friday, February 22nd at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door.

The boutiques are then held the following weekend, on March 2nd and 3rd, also at the Ocean Place Resort.

"It's hard nowadays. Mom and Dad are trying to afford the mortgage, people are out of work," Serhus explained. "Sometimes having that little extra help can make a huge difference."

The reach of the charity has grown each year, with nearly 500 students expected to receive help from this year. Cinderella's Closet has partnered with schools across the state to help identify which students need the most assistance. The eligibility is a collaboration between the charity and school guidance counselors and administrators.

"Students, who do need our help, get our help. And that's why we try to get the word out."

Learn more about this great organization by visiting their website and checking out their Facebook page.

More Good News

New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition

The New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition is spearheading the 4th Annual Bike & Walk Summit on February 23 in New Brunswick.  The event brings together legislators, advocates, businesses, planners, bike clubs and shops, and interested citizens for a day of panels, workshops, discussions and networking with others who share an interest in a more sustainable lifestyle in New Jersey for all citizens.  The theme for this year's summit is "Sharing Responsibility," a concept that cyclists and pedestrians need to keep in the forefront to make New Jersey's roads safe for all users.  To learn more, visit them online.

The New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition

The New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition has launched a new website, offering visitors a comprehensive destination for hunger-related resources throughout the Garden State.  The website included facts and figures on hunger, volunteer opportunities, and information on how residents can apply for food stamps.

The redesigned website will help better support NJAHC's work to raise awareness about the extent of hunger and poverty in New Jersey and move closer to the coalition's ultimate goal of ending hunger within our communities.  To learn more, visit them online.