Distressed about a prom dress? Group can help

A new organization in Yuma seeks to connect high school girls with gently used dresses and other items for the special occasion.

Kristen Davis’ own experience with a national organization that allows military spouses to pick out new bridal dresses at select boutiques across the country for free really stuck with her, she said in an email interview with the Sun.

“I wanted to pay it forward,” she said.

Upon their arrival in Yuma from Florida about a year ago, Davis said she wanted to get involved in the Yuma community “in my own way.”

Not having any Yuma connections, she presented the idea to the pastors at a local church and the Cinderella Project was born.

“The community was very receptive to the idea and the support came pouring in,” she said.

The group will giveaway more than 150 dresses and “tons of shoes and accessories” this Saturday to participants who register in advance.

But Davis wants the event to be about more than just getting a free dress and has lined up guest speak- ers such as Miss Yuma County 2010 Jade Bloomfield to “talk to the girls about self esteem and self worth and give encouraging words.”

Girls must pre-register at the organization’s Facebook page (The Cinderella Project) for the event which is Saturday at 3625 S. Avenue 5E. Light refreshments will be served and hair and makeup tutorials will be offered.