Cinderella’s Closet kicks off 8th prom season drive

Cinderella’s Closet of Monmouth County continues to strive to help less fortunate students attend the prom and promote self-esteem for young adults.

The charity collects new and gently used prom formal wear and accessories, which are made available for students in the spring..

“We have helped probably over about 2400 students over the last seven years,” said spokesperson Mary Pat Serhus.

The group was started in 2008 by a pair of then-students, who wanted to help fellow classmates.

“It’s just a great lifelong experience and you want to make sure these kids get to experience that,” she said.

The annual fundraising and donation process gets underway on Friday, January 30, when they hold their 8th annual Prom Fashion Show. The event runs from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at the Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune. Tickets are $30 in advance, and will not be sold at the door.

Local high school students will model the latest prom fashions for the 2015 season.

Proceeds from the fashion show benefit the annual Prom Boutique, which is when these less fortunate students will come to ‘shop’ for all their prom needs for a small admission fee or at no cost depending on their situation.

The Prom Boutique takes place on March 21, at Long Branch High School from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

“We really try to make the whole boutique a very, very positive experience for them,” Serhus explained.

Cinderella’s Closet accepts registration from students with financial needs, referred through their guidance counselors, social workers and clergy.

“The main mission of Cinderella’s Closet has always been is that we want to ensure that no student has to forfeit the lifelong memories attending their prom due to financial hardship,” Serhus said.

To learn more about this great New Jersey charity or to nominate a student in need, visit the Cinderella’s Closet of Monmouth County website and Facebook page.