Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity: Sweet 16: Corsage Project Celebrates Milestone Anniversary of Lifting the Financial Burden of Prom

Celebrating youth and embracing individuality, the Corsage Project – in partnership with the Children's Aid Foundation – will host annual Boutique Ball featuring hundreds of brand new dresses and accessories

TORONTO, April 13, 2016 /CNW/ - On Sunday, April 17th, the Corsage Project will hold its annual Boutique Ball, where hundreds of young women, identified through confidential referrals, will be outfitted for prom — free of charge. Celebrating its Sweet 16, this year marks the Corsage Project's milestone anniversary of providing head-to-toe pampering and prom attire to graduating students who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to attend prom due to its high price tag.

With the struggle to balance school, part-time jobs and other responsibilities, attending prom and celebrating with peers are considered out of reach to a growing number of students. "Prom is a rite of passage that hundreds of teens forgo because of cost," comments Corsage Project Co-chairs Joanne Sally and Sarah Tuite. "Our goal is celebrate achievement, inspire confidence, and to level the playing field for students across Toronto — one dress at a time."

At the Boutique Ball, participants are escorted by their very own volunteer personal shopper through racks of dresses, hundreds of shoes and tables upon tables of sparkling jewellery— all courtesy of a range of corporate sponsors. Participants even receive a mini-makeover by local make-up artists and leave with a generous goody bag provided by sponsors. It's an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. 

Who:

• Select Corsage Project participants who have agreed to share their story with media
• Corsage Project spokesperson
• Valerie McMurtry, President & CEO, Children's Aid Foundation
• Corsage Project volunteers, including personal shoppers, make-up artists and seamstresses

Where:

• Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
• Bram & Bluma Appel Salon (second floor)

When:

• Sunday, April 17
• 10 a.m.

What:

• A team of more than 200 volunteers create a shopping bazaar with hundreds of new dresses, shoes, purses, pashminas and jewellery for 300 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 Girls
• Interviews with Corsage Project spokespeople and volunteers
• Interviews with Children's Aid Foundation spokespeople
• 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 the Children's Aid Foundation, the Corsage Project is a non-profit program in Toronto dedicated to giving the authentic prom experience to young women and men who would not otherwise have the opportunity to celebrate with their peers due to the high cost of formal wear. Our scholarship program through the Children's Aid Foundation also helps local high school graduates achieve their post-secondary goals.  www.corsageproject.ca

SOURCE Children's Aid Foundation

Beth Hampson, [email protected], 647-539-2116; Stella Karami, [email protected], 647-884-9651