cpreporter@lcs.net
Cinderellas needing a free gown for the prom should drop by Concord Baptist Church on Saturday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., when The Fairy Godmothers of Concord will appear for their third magical Spring.
All high school and middle school young ladies are invited to take a break from their endless chores, dust off their cinders and find a dress, at no cost, at the church's Cinderella's Closet.
The church is located close to the Frog Level Volunteer Fire Department on Route 301 in southern Caroline. Turn at the firehouse onto Concord Road and go a winding half mile to the stately white columns of the church.
Last year 140 Cinderellas were gowned to meet their Prince Charmings, said Fairy Godmother Jeannie Ball. Not only did Cinderellas come from Caroline, but from miles and miles away in Spotsylvania, Louisa, Orange, King George and Stafford.
Ten more girls were gowned this January for the Special Olympics Snowflake Ball.
To raise their magic money for buying dresses, congregation members who sold an enchanted carriage-full of Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough, far and wide, raising the princely sum of $1,000.
That's when Fairy Godmother Diane Boone took over, magically appearing in New York, Richmond and Fredericksburg.
Shopping the sales, she bought scores of new dresses, both classically long and stylishly short. They now have a treasure trove of over 200 dresses.
"They're all really pretty. Diane has picked out some really pretty things this year," said Godmother Jeannie, who lives in a cottage close to the Reedy Church Ruritan Club.
"It's my favorite thing to do," said her fellow fairy Diane, who lives in a cottage too, but hers is on Frog Level Road.
Cinderellas need to remember that it's just one dress per young lady and this is a one-day event only.
There is no cost, and a limited supply of shoes, purses and jewelry is also available.
"If you donate or return a dress, you can pick a prize," said Jeannie, like cosmetics, body lotion and perfume.
Also, Cinderellas must be present to get a dress, which means that Wicked Stepmothers traipsing in without their Cinderella won't get to snatch beautiful dresses. But Kind Mothers and Sweet Stepmothers accompanying their girls are welcome.
"I've got some beautiful dresses!" promised Diane. She and Jeannie, and all their fairy friends, are looking forward to a big turnout.
Questions? Or want to donate? Call Jeannie at 633-6786 or 804-513-9756. Or call Diane at 994-5251 or 804-690-4249.