Chyan Metzger | Staff Writer
Prom is right around the corner and many girls are looking for the perfect dress. Unfortunately, prom dresses can be expensive. Buena Vista University’s Glass Slipper Shop helps dreams come true by providing affordable dresses.
Amber Chrischilles, a junior at Storm Lake High School, is looking forward to her first prom.
“I’m excited to go to the Glass Slipper Shop for a chance to try on many different kinds of prom dresses! Prom can be very expensive and this will help cut down the cost of prom for me,” she said.
Buena Vista University’s Student MOVE (Mobilizing Outreach & Volunteer Efforts) organization is hosting the Glass Slipper Shop on March 4-5 and 11-12 in Harold Walter Siebens Forum. The shop will be open from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. on March 4 and 11 and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on March 5 and 11. Dress prices will range from $5 to $30. More than 300 dresses in various sizes, colors and styles will be featured at the 2016 Glass Slipper Shop.
Nichole Wiese, VP of Service Events said, “I love seeing how excited the girls get when finding a dress and knowing they can afford the dress.”
The dresses have been donated by BVU students, faculty, and staff. Donations have also been made by local dress shops, including Teresa’s Bridal in Algona, Elegance Boutique by Sarah Ruhs, and A Heavenly Celebration.
Student MOVE is providing more than affordable dresses. Ashley Farmer-Hanson, advisor of Student MOVE, Assistant Dean of Student Life, and Director of Civic Engagement, was contacted by a BVU alumni to partner with local foster homes to provide free dresses for girls in foster care.
“My favorite part about the event is providing everyone the opportunity to attend prom. Not everyone can afford the dress because there is a lot of poverty in the community,” said Farmer-Hanson “This provides a chance for every girl to be a princess and have fun with friends without worrying about the economic impact. The students learn and gain a lot of experience from the event.”
The students involved in the event prepared for it by contacting local dress shops and picking up the donations. Once donations were collected, the students tagged and priced each of the dresses. The students also gained experience by promoting the event.
Bailey Hansen, VP of Service Events for MOVE, said, “I have loved my experiences with service events because it feels great to give back to the Storm Lake and BVU community! I am so excited for the Glass Slipper Shop because I can’t wait to help the girls find their perfect prom dress!”
Student MOVE’s goal this year is to sell around 30 dresses. Each year the students decide where the proceeds will go. This year’s proceeds will go to Storm Lake’s Center Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA). CAASA has been chosen the last two years because it is local and helps women. Leftover inventory will be recycled for next year’s event. Outdated dresses will be donated to BVU’s Theatre Department or local non-profits.
Student MOVE is looking for volunteers for the event. If interested, contact Ashley Farmer-Hanson ([email protected]) or Nichole Wiese ([email protected]).
Student MOVE offers many service events throughout the year. Events coming up this spring include AWOL Spring Break trips, SOLE Hope on Buenafication Day, and Operation Gratitude. Applications for the 2016-2017 Student MOVE board are available now at https://www.bvu.edu/bv/community-service/student-move.dot.
