Cinderella's Closet
At a time when most high school students are typically focused on their own lives
—homework, sports, college preparations, prom—it was a welcome surprise when two Schuylerville students put their own concerns aside and started a local-level Cinderella’s Closet for their female peers.
Cinderella’s Closet is a nationally-known, not-for-profit project committed to helping financially-challenged female high school students attend their prom feeling confident, proud and beautiful. Students receive new and nearly-new formalwear and accessories free of charge.

In November 2004, former Schuylerville student Ali Ainsworth and Christine Bonesteel, now a junior, spearheaded a Cinderella’s Closet in the Schuylerville Jr.-Sr. High School.

“We started this project as a way to give every Schuylerville student the chance to attend prom and put any financial constraints aside,” says Bonesteel. “I think it was because of the other types of volunteer work that we did through Student Council that we were able to open our eyes and see that other people, on all different levels, need a helping hand.”

Getting started
The first six pieces in Ainsworth and Bonesteel’s collection of formal gowns came from Danielle’s Bridal Store in Saratoga. In just a few short years, the collection of six has grown to nearly 60. There is a wide selection of dresses from which the girls can choose––everything from soft green, blue and yellow satin with embroidered bodices or chiffon scarves to a bright pink Cinderella dress with a full-tulle skirt and silver sparkles.

“The selection is really incredible,” says Bonesteel who still receives donations from Danielle’s Bridal, as well as from Schuylerville staff and their friends and family members. “This project has generated a lot of interest, which results in more and more donations,” she adds. “It’s nice to know that so many people care about what we’re doing.”

“Christine (and Ali) should be proud that their project that started out rather small has grown so much in such a short amount of time,” says Junior Class Advisor Pam Driscoll.

Over the years, Schuylerville’s Cinderella’s Closet has outfitted nearly 10 girls, who perhaps would not have been able to attend the prom with out the assistance. The people who donate to Cinderella’s Closet and the students who benefit from it remain anonymous.

If you are interested in donating new or “nearly-new” formal dresses, shoes, handbags and other accessories, please contact Christine through Pam Driscoll at (518) 695-3255, ext. 2244.