Student group helps girls find affordable prom dresses

<p>Jillian Hooper and Emily Wade, members of Ball State's Fashion Merchandising Association, browse through dresses donated for FMA's Cinderella's Closet event. The annual event provides discounted prom dresses to high school students. DN PHOTO TRISTAN BENNINGTON</p>

Jillian Hooper and Emily Wade, members of Ball State's Fashion Merchandising Association, browse through dresses donated for FMA's Cinderella's Closet event. The annual event provides discounted prom dresses to high school students. DN PHOTO TRISTAN BENNINGTON

A Better Way

Proceeds from Cinderella's Closet go to A Better Way, an organization for victims of domestic violence. The organization provides multiple services including shelter, a 24-hour crisis line and after-school programs for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. 

Source: abetterwaymuncie.org 


A godmother with a wand and a pumpkin carriage aren’t required for a fairytale prom night, but students in Ball State’s Fashion Merchandising Association know the perfect dress is a must-have.

On Saturday, the group held their annual charity event, Cinderella’s Closet, at the Alumni Center where high school students can purchase donated prom dresses at an affordable price.

Emily Wade, the vice president of the Fashion Merchandising Association, said she received her own prom dress from Cinderella’s Closet. 

“Someone bought that dress today,” Wade said with a smile. “It’s amazing to see how a dress can last and be passed onto another person who can put it to use.”

Audrey Robbins, a former instructor in the fashion department, created the event in the early 2000s. Dresses at the event came from prom boutiques or people willing to part from their old dresses.

The dresses are gently used and come in a variety of styles so as to accommodate each girl’s personal style. At the Alumni Center, ball gowns hung close to mermaid style dresses and bright pink gowns intermingled with black ones. 

Dress prices ranged from $10 to $50 based on decoration, construction and age. Proceeds from the event went to A Better Way, an organization that provides shelter and services for victims of domestic violence.

A few Fashion Merchandising Association members had some personal advice for those looking for the perfect prom dress.

“Try on dresses you wouldn’t normally pick up,” said President of the Fashion Merchandising Association, Mollie Novack. “Sometimes the dresses we overlook are the perfect ones for us.” 

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