CHANDLER, Ariz. — It’s prom season and every girl deserves to feel like a princess, right?
That’s why one Valley organization has made it their mission to ensure that happens, especially for families in need.
For the 23rd year, ‘The Cinderella Affair’ in the East Valley hosted its free prom dress boutique for juniors and seniors.
When you step inside the boutique near Kyrene Road and Chandler Boulevard in Chandler, you can see it’s magical.
“My prom is 'Great Gatsby' themed, so I got the gloves, the feathers, some rose earrings, I even have disco ball earrings,” 17-year-old Hana Kimura, whose prom is just around the corner, said.
“(It's) really exciting. I did not think it was going to be this big,” 17-year-old Katelyn Cesarano said. “There were a lot of dresses. It was way prettier than I thought it was going to be and I walked up and everyone was really nice.”
At this annual free prom dress boutique, an incredible organization is lending high school juniors and seniors a helping hand ahead of the big day.
“(The) East Valley Women’s League is a nonprofit organization where we help out women and children in the southeast Valley that are less fortunate, who need our help,” Nancy Mann, the organization's community liaison, said. “We are happy to help out. We have many committees.”
Mann says every gown and accessory they have in the boutique was donated.
“(We're) Happy to help out… anyone out there,” she said.
They’re making dreams come true for high schoolers like Eleonor Gutierrez through this royal experience.
“I know for a fact, that once I graduate, I’m going to remember this and I’m going to wish that I could redo this all over again,” she said.
Gutierrez is one of hundreds of young ladies in the area who got to pick from more than 6,000 dresses to help make her prom night extra special.
“It’s just a great opportunity, because when I looked at prom dresses, they were all really expensive, and I was like, I was a little concerned,” Cesarano said.
“I think one of the dresses I was looking at was like $500, it was really expensive, and I was like, I could use that money for something else, so this is a good option,” Isabella White, who is a junior in high school, said. “If you can find something here, save a little cash.”
After all, the attire and accessories are just a fraction of the cost of going to prom.
“I definitely just started,” White said. “I got my group together. I have to make reservations still, and everything like that… all the details.”
At ‘The Cinderella Affair’ every girl got the chance to not only pick out a beautiful gown of their choice, but also, all the accessories. They have a gorgeous selection of shoes, purses and plenty of bling.
“I got a little bracelet and some earrings,” 17-year-old Ella Heldenbrand said. “I’m so excited.”
'The Cinderella Affair' is more than just the dress, it's the unforgettable experience of this enchanted journey.
“I appreciate everything they’ve done for the community and helping me pick out this dress and letting me follow my dreams,” Kimura said. “It’s an amazing thing.”
About 300 tickets are given for each boutique and it’s first-come, first-served.
The boutique will be open again on April 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and April 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It’s available for juniors and seniors only and all you need is a valid student ID.
For more information about the upcoming events, just click here.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.