Sequins, silk and all things princess were on display Thursday inside South Laurel Middle School’s gym. But instead of being sold at royal prices, these confections were free.

Volunteers for non-profit organization For the Love of a Child were at the school to loan prom dresses to students just in time for their eight grade ball, which was held Friday. The intent was for the dresses to go to students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to buy one.

Student Rhonda Brave, who picked out a corral chiffon number, loved the idea.

“I have no idea what I would have done,” she said. “I think it’s nice because people just come here and get one and bring it back.”

It’s something the charity, in conjunction with Fairy God Foundation, is doing for the first time in Laurel County.

“It’s great, just being able to help the kids,” said Joyce Smith, founder of For the Love of a Child. “It’s been fun. They look beautiful.”

The program started three years ago in Hyden, Ky. Michigander Stephen Wayne was spending his summer working for the Appalachian Service Project and met a woman who was trying to find prom dresses for girls who couldn’t afford them.

“She said she had trouble paying for one when her daughter was young,” Wayne said.

Wayne was intrigued by the request and within three months had founded Fairy God Foundation to help girls get to the prom.

“The first year we helped five girls,” Wayne, who is a law student at Wayne State University, said. “The second year, in Perry, Leslie and Clay counties we helped 24 girls.”

In August 2006, Wayne, 23, teamed up with Smith and the program doubled in size.

“Joyce alone has dressed more than 45 girls this year,” Wayne said.

Today, the charities have a collection of 300 dresses, half of which are making the circuit in Laurel and Whitley counties this prom season. In addition to South Laurel Middle School students, they will be available for students at both area high schools in time for prom on May 5.

Hearing of the project, local businesses have jumped on board to help.

Carousel Florists & Gifts, The White Lily and New London Florists donated corsages, Somerset Community College cosmetology students will offer free hair and make-up on prom day, and Dawahares donated five dresses.

Vera Spurlock, who volunteers for the program, is thrilled by the local response.

“If people know what you need they’ll do it for you,” she said.



WANT TO HELP?

• To donate dresses, shoes, tuxedos or any related prom attire, contact Vera Spurlock at 526-0550 or 524-1781. For more information, go to www.fortheloveofachild.org or www.fairygodfoundation. org.



Staff writer Tara Kaprowy can be reached by e-mail at tkaprowy@sentinel-echo.com.