For most girls, prom is their time to be a princess for a night. From the glamorous dresses to the sparkly jewelry, from the high-heeled shoes to the perfect makeup, girls do everything they can to make sure the long-awaited night is as magical as they’ve always dreamed it would be.

Unfortunately, not every girl is able to realize this dream. The cost of the dress, shoes, makeup and jewelry, piled on top of the cost of paying for a ticket, adds up, and sometimes this can prevent a girl from having her princess moment.

Recognizing the importance of prom, Sarasota local Judy Alexander decided to make it possible for every girl to shine like the star she is on prom night. She created the Sarasota chapter of the Cinderella Project, an organization that provides girls with dresses and accessories for prom, as well as the opportunity to win beauty shop appointments and more.

“The Cinderella Project enables young girls from the community who might not have the financial means otherwise to pick the perfect gown and accessories for their prom,” she said.

Alexander said she got the idea for the Cinderella Project from her cousin.

“Four years ago, I passed a garage sale where the sign read, ‘Formals for $20.’ My cousin called and…I told her I was about to buy some formals. She said they were doing a Cinderella Project in Houston and were looking for formals. I told her I would keep them here and do a Sarasota Cinderella Project,” said Alexander, who has hosted a Cinderella Project every year since then.

In order to collect as many donations as possible, Alexander reached out into the community.

“I spoke to some of the boutiques in Sarasota, and they said they would help me collect prom dresses,” she said.

Involving the community turned out to be a great idea.

“This year I think we have had over 500 gowns donated… [for an event held] March 15th and 16th,” said Alexander.

She was also able to get women to volunteer as “Fairy Godmothers.”

“I have lots and lots of Fairy Godmothers… the wonderful women who donate their time, talent or treasure to helping make these young girls’ dreams come true,” Alexander said.

Alexander said organizations like the Cinderella Project are important because of the happiness they bring to the participants.

“The prom for so many girls is very expensive, and it is an important event in their lives.  We want it to be a very special one for them,” she said.

To Alexander, the best part of the project is seeing the girls ‘reveal.’

“The best part is when the girls come out after picking out the dress they love and seeing how gorgeous they look in it,” she said.

Go to www.cinderellaproject.net for more information on how to donate to the Cinderella Project.