By Lexi Palma '13
Siena College's Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women recently hosted The Cinderella Project’s annual Boutique Day. This year, more than 150 young women attended the enent, which supplies those in need with free prom dresses and all the accessories needed to make their big night memorable. The financially disadvantaged women also received make-up, jewelry and handbags.
“This is our 7th year hosting the event,” said Director of the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women Shannon O'Neill, Ph.D. “We always have such great Siena volunteers. Siena students serve as personal shoppers and help with the massive undertaking of setting up and taking down the Dress Boutique. We have over 1,500 dresses on racks, 15 fitting rooms and tables of make-up and accessories. This year I saw Siena Alumna Bianca Pier '10 volunteering. She had volunteered as a student and was continuing to volunteer as a seamstress at the alterations table. It was great to see her and to have her sister, Ericka Pier '14, volunteering as well."
Ericka Pier enjoyed the experience and was happy to help while spending time with her sister. “I had such a great time with the other volunteers and it really made me miss my proms from high school. My favorite part of the day was helping out the girls," Pier said. "I was a personal shopper for a junior at a local area high school and she truly made my day. The way her face lit up when she tried on the perfect, light-purple princess gown is something I will always remember. I could really tell how thankful she was for something like the Cinderella Project since she found her perfect dress, jewelry and makeup. It was amazing to see her transform into a true princess ... I can’t wait to help out again next year!”
Many other Siena students volunteered at the event and also felt fortunate to be part of such a magical day. “This was my second year helping out with the Cinderella Project and it was once again an awesome experience,” Michelle Campbell ’13 said. “As a make-up volunteer, I picked out different shades of lip gloss, eye shadow, and blush that were donated from Macy's & Mary Kay. Coming up with the perfect palette for each girl was fun. I felt like I was helping my little sister get ready for prom.”
Visit the Cinderella Project Website for more information.
Photos from Boutique Day can be found on the Center for Women Facebook page.
