Nov 20

Nov 20 The Cinderella Project

Rilyn Midthun and Akshita Viza

What is it?

The Cinderella Project is a charitable organization that executes a mission to remove barriers for families that are negatively impacting them. It builds self-assurance for the community. This project specifically impacts young girls and helps them attend their school proms and homecoming dances, which are significant moments in their lives. It was started by the Gadzuric Foundation, which was created and founded in 2009 and is now known as emPOWER YOUTH. The Cinderella Project MKE has been an annual event/organization for the Gadzuric Foundation since it began. This foundation not only created and organized the Cinderella Project, but has also been participating in many different charities since its start, such as aiding in the natural disaster relief in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Additionally, they have assisted neighboring foundations in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. From just the Cinderella project alone, this foundation impacted over 1000 girls' lives by helping them go to a school or a formal dance.

Members of the board:

Through this organization, there are four main members on the board. Michelle Hinton is the Executive Director of ‘United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee’. DJ Hines is the Chief Operations Officer for a Christian Fellowship Church. Rome de Haan is the founder of Milwaukeeans Against Hate, another organization that believes everyone is equal and is directly against any discrimination: against races, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, and any fear of “the other”. Lastly, Lisette Franco is the founder and president of the foundation, playing a huge role in this project.

How can you donate?

To help this organization, there are roles to participate in, such as the volunteer application for events, or a workshop for young girls—if you are interested in makeup, costuming, or just helping out. These workshops include food giveaways, hair/makeup opportunites, and more. It is for girls to come in, meet a “fairy godmother” (which you can choose to be), and pick out one of the thousands of dresses displayed to wear. Donations to the Cinderella project, specifically in Milwaukee, will start in February and continue through March. A drop-off is available every Friday during these months from 6-8 pm. The dresses will be accepted at 1107 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee, WI.

Other quick ideas on how to help include making a school drive at your school, making a donation of a homecoming or prom dress that could be used by a young girl, and spreading the word overall to friends and family or on social media. Hamilton's ‘Club Action’ has taken responsibility for all the donations to the drive; you can donate in room S5 or at the front office, and is making the school more aware of the opportunity to donate your dress by posting them on the announcements in the cafeteria.

Why is the Cinderella Project important overall?

We believe that this organization uplifts young girls , as well as helps those finding a dress or jewelry from this project. Regarding the organization itself, it makes an impact, and it is amazing how a dress can bring people together, and how one act of kindness can make a difference in the community. This gives more than clothes, but confidence and joy to the teens in Wisconsin. Consider donating, and make an impact in this organization, from the Cinderella Project or through the Gadzuric Foundation.

Sources:

All information/pictures are from "The Cinderella Project." The Cinderella Project, 2018, cinderellaprojectmke.com/home.