Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity - Prom with Purpose: The Corsage Project's Annual Boutique Ball Helps Graduates Celebrate Their Achievements in Style
Boutique Ball 2019 will help hundreds of deserving students stand confidently among their peers
TORONTO, April 8, 2019 /CNW/ - On Sunday, April 14th, the Corsage Project will host its 19th annual Boutique Ball for over 250 young women graduating from high schools across Toronto. Completely free of charge and available through confidential referrals, the event makes prom possible for students by removing the financial burden associated with attending.
The estimated average cost of prom is as high as $800 and only increases with every passing year. For many students who are working hard at school and part-time jobs to support their families, while at the same time saving for post-secondary education, the added stress of financing prom is simply prohibitive. Boutique Ball helps alleviate this financial barrier by offering young woman the complete prom experience through donations by corporate sponsors.
"Since our start, the Corsage Project has brought confidence, pride and happiness to thousands of young graduates," says Joanne Sallay, Corsage Project Co-Chair, "many of whom return as volunteers in the years following in a true testament to its impact."
Founded in 2000 by Carole Atkins and Rhona Sallay, the Corsage Project was born after the founders saw firsthand the unnecessary financial pressure attending prom put on vulnerable students. The non-profit organization operates in partnership with Children's Aid Foundation of Canada.
"The Boutique Ball is a truly memorable day for both participants and volunteers," says Sarah Tuite, Corsage Project Co-Chair. "It is an honour to give all of these outstanding women the opportunity to celebrate their years of hard work and academic achievements proudly among their peers."
At Boutique Ball, participants are greeted by enthusiastic and passionate volunteer personal shoppers for a special day selecting their perfect prom ensemble. Corporate sponsors provide the Corsage Project with racks of new dresses, hundreds of shoes and a vast selection of sparkling jewellery for participants to choose from.
In addition to Boutique Ball, the Corsage Project also helps local high school graduates achieve their post-secondary goals through their Corsage Community Award and a scholarship program run in partnership with Children's Aid Foundation of Canada. The Corsage Project community brings together and inspires women of all ages and has a lasting impact for everyone involved.
Who:
- Select Corsage Project participants who have agreed to share their story with media
- Corsage Project spokespeople and volunteers
Where:
- Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
- Bram & Bluma Appel Salon (second floor)
When:
- Sunday, April 14
- 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
What:
- A team of more than 600 volunteers create a shopping bazaar with hundreds of new dresses, shoes, purses, pashminas and jewellery for 250 young women from local high schools
- Formal attire and accessories that have been donated by retailers and the local fashion community
- Interviews with select Corsage Project participants
- Interviews with Corsage Project spokespeople and volunteers
- Note: To respect the privacy of many of our participants, please photograph, film and interview only those girls who have agreed to speak with the media. Volunteers will be on hand to ensure these young women are easily identifiable and available for interviews.
About the Corsage Project
Working in partnership with Children's Aid Foundation of Canada, the Corsage Project is a non-profit program in Toronto dedicated to giving the authentic prom experience to young adults who would not otherwise have the opportunity to celebrate with their peers due to the high cost of formal wear. Our scholarship program through Children's Aid Foundation of Canada also helps local high school graduates achieve their post-secondary goals. www.corsageproject.ca
SOURCE Children's Aid Foundation of Canada
photos and interview requests, please contact Halo PR: Signe Barlow, [email protected], Tara Anderson, [email protected]
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