For many high school students, prom is a night of celebration and unforgettable memories. Cinderella’s Closet OC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students, hosted an event providing prom dresses, shoes and accessories to juniors and seniors free of charge. This event served a greater purpose by bringing students together, helping them feel confident and excited for their big night.
On March 15th, 2025, students from Middle College High School had the opportunity to partake in Cinderella’s Closet OC event, held at Saddleback Church in Anaheim. The nonprofit organization provided juniors and seniors with free prom attire, making the experience exciting and stress-free. With the help of dedicated fairy godmothers (volunteers) and a welcoming atmosphere, students browsed through selections of dresses and received personalized styling assistance.
Cinderella’s Closet OC isn’t just about fashion; it’s about affirmation.
As a regional chapter of the national Cinderella’s Closet organization, this Orange County-based initiative focuses on affirming the dignity and worth of youth. The organization is led by Erin Peterson, a passionate advocate for children and families. Supporting her vision is Tasha Gabal, who ensures the nonprofit’s operations run smoothly. Their shared mission is to ensure that no student misses out on prom because of financial limitations. The organization focuses exclusively on dresses and related items to ensure each recipient enjoys a boutique-style experience tailored specifically for them.
In order to participate, Blanca Suarez, our Family & Community Engagement Liaison (FACE) at MCHS sent out a Google Form to interested juniors and seniors, who were later assigned an appointment slot. Suarez focused on promoting the event a lot more as she felt not enough students were involved.
“I think students thought that maybe dresses were, like, used… but they don’t realize that everything is new, and they’re beautiful dresses,” Suarez said.
We attended the event with Audrey Gurrola, and Mya Miranda. Our appointments were scheduled between 9:15 to 9:30 a.m., and we arrived early to check in. The space was inviting—students and parents were greeted with snacks and drinks while waiting.
When it was our turn, each of us was introduced to our very own “Fairy Godmother,” which is actually a person who volunteered to help guide us through the experience.
The event felt like stepping into a boutique made just for us. Inside the auditorium, the setup was both organized and welcoming. Dresses were grouped by size and color, along racks that wrapped around the room, giving students plenty of options to explore. After choosing a dress, students were guided to another section filled with shoes, jewelry and other accessories. There was even a fitting area with mirrors, so we could see how everything looked together. Volunteers offered thoughtful suggestions and made sure each item complemented the dress we chose. The entire experience felt like shopping at a high-end boutique—except everything was free, and every moment was filled with encouragement and excitement.
A special feature of the event was the personalized attention each student received. Volunteers made sure everyone felt valued, beautiful and confident. Even small alterations and adjustments were accommodated when needed, creating a truly custom fit.
We asked senior Mya Miranda if she could share her feelings towards this event.
“It honestly made me feel like someone cared about my experience. I didn’t feel like I was just picking out a dress—I felt like I was being celebrated,” Miranda said.
It’s safe to say that the event helped make prom easier to plan. Before the event, there was stress around the cost of dresses and feeling unprepared. After walking through the Cinderella’s Closet experience, those worries turned into excitement.
When we interviewed Suarez, we asked why she chose to share this opportunity with us. She explained:
“We don’t know every student’s situation… and I’ve heard instances where students don’t attend prom because their parents don’t have money to purchase a ticket or a dress. I just think growing up and seeing that around me, I knew this was going to make someone’s day special,” Suarez said.
She also noted how the event helps students grow in responsibility.
“It doesn’t only get them ready for prom, but it just kind of prepares them to seek out opportunities and follow up with them,” Suarez said.
We also asked senior Audrey Gurrola what she thought of the program.
“It made me want to go to prom even more. It felt like the start of something special,” Gurrola said.
Beyond the dresses and shoes, the Cinderella’s Closet event fostered a sense of unity and care in our school community. It reminded students that they are seen, supported and worthy of celebration.
Suarez shared that a couple students responded with messages and pictures after the event.
“They were just really grateful. They said, ‘Thank you for sharing this opportunity. It was really fun.’ I’m just so excited to see them during prom,” Suarez said.
For students who may have doubted whether prom was even a possibility, Cinderella’s Closet OC truly made it a reality and a joyful experience. They brought more than dresses to our school; it brought joy, confidence and community. Events like this are proof that when schools and nonprofits work together, real change happens.
Suarez shared that when she was in high school, she had the chance to be part of the program.
“It really boosted my confidence, and it made me feel beautiful that day. And I hope that the same experience was for our students,” Suarez said.
Cinderella’s Closet will continue to grow as more students and volunteers get involved. Whether you’re a junior preparing for your first prom, or a senior closing out your high school years, don’t be afraid to take part in opportunities like this.
They’re not just about what you wear—they’re about how you feel.