Making Dreams Come True
The South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division’s Cinderella Project has been making dreams come true for over two decades. An event where lawyers trade in their power suits to wave their magic wands and play fairy godmothers to young ladies in need of that perfect prom outfit. The program, which runs strictly on volunteers and donations, aims to serve students in the area who cannot afford prom dresses. The Cinderella Project offers not only free prom dresses, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories to those who could not otherwise afford them, but it is also a chance for them to learn about the legal profession. Students have the opportunity to chat with new and seasoned lawyers about a potential career in law. This year, the program is opening a new category under the Cinderella Project umbrella named Prince Charming, where male students will be able to shop for suits and shoes for prom.
“Most of our volunteer base comes from the Young Lawyers Division of the South Carolina Bar and members of our partner organization – Upsilon Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Junior League of Columbia and the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law have also provided us with volunteers throughout the years,” said Phylicia Coleman, Cinderella Project’s State Coordinator and attorney in Columbia, SC.
These programs are free to anyone who needs them; all that is asked of each student is to register before or on the day of the event. This allows the program to keep track of how many students are coming through its doors and shows which schools in the area are participating in the program. On event day, students will check in, break into smaller groups, and enter the boutique one group at a time. From there, students can shop for and try on various prom items. While the students shop, the volunteers commingle among the students, striking up conversations and allowing students the chance to ask any questions they may have regarding law school or being a lawyer in general. Once the students have chosen their perfect outfits for their special evening, they can check out and prepare for a fun night with their friends.
Since the program is built strictly on donations, anyone with new or very well-kept dresses, slacks, suits, shoes, or jewelry, can donate them at the numerous drop-off locations in the Midlands. To find where you can donate items, visit cinderellaprojectsc.com. For those who don’t have items to donate, the boutique has an Amazon Wishlist with various items students will need for the big night. These can be purchased online and shipped directly to the boutique, where they will then be offered to the students who come through the program.
Every year, the program looks for local businesses to serve as drop-off locations for donations. The goal is to have these drop-off locations spread out all over the Midlands so that people can easily access the various donation spots. Shops that sell prom attire, such as dresses, tuxes, suits, and shoes, can assist by donating items that are out of season or that will no longer be carried in the shop. Any retired designs and items are more than welcome at the Cinderella Project. “Our donations are key. We are here to serve the students of our communities and make their prom night as seamless and worry-free as possible,” said Coleman.
She continued, “The best part is the smiles on the students’ faces when they find their perfect dress. They are so grateful and appreciative. It is fun to have the chance to talk about being a lawyer with students who may not have the best experiences or understanding of what we do. Two years ago, I had a student specifically stop me to ask what it’s like to be a lawyer because she was considering going to law school. She had recently completed an internship with the public defender’s office. She was very intrigued and eager to know more about the legal profession. She thanked me for taking the time to answer her questions.”
When Coleman is not working or volunteering at the Cinderella Project, she is heavily involved in the Midlands as a member of the Young Leaders Society and Palmetto Society of the United Way of the Midlands. She is a Clemson graduate and proudly sports and cheers on the Tigers. In her downtime, she enjoys hanging out with her Yorkie and watching true crime documentaries and Disney movies.
Speaking of Disney movies, “Last year, we had a true Cinderella Story moment. One of the students was in foster care and had been through a lot within the last few years. She pictured herself just like Cinderella for her prom night and was able to find a dress that did just that,” shared Coleman as she reminisced on other moments that have stood out to her during her time in the program. Moments like these are what the program is all about. It embraces the joy teens should experience on this fun, highly anticipated night and allows them to feel special despite any financial hardships they and their families may be experiencing.
“One of the most important aspects is ensuring all students know about the Cinderella Project and Prince Charming,” said Coleman. “We hand out door prizes and gifts to further assist these young students in making their prom preparations seamless and enjoyable. In years past, we have had questions about transportation to the boutique for students who are in the more rural parts of Lexington. Unfortunately, the South Carolina Bar is not able to offer that; however, if any businesses own large vans that would be willing to donate their time, the students would be very appreciative,” she said.
If you are interested in teaming up with the Cinderella Project or Prince Charming, whether that is through volunteering, transportation, or donations, please visit their website. Help empower and inspire our upcoming generation and give them a night to remember.