Foster and Adopted Teens Enjoy Fairytale Day of Prom Preparation

Fairy godmothers, ball gowns, tiaras, and even several charming “princes” joined forces to make 70 young women feel like princesses yesterday. And it all took place in a castle—St. Clements Castle in Portland. The fairytale event was the second annual Avenue of Dreams, a magical day of prom preparation for foster and adopted teens across Connecticut.

Sponsored by the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents (CAFAP), Avenue of Dreams was designed to show the young women, many of whom have experienced difficult home lives, how to make their dreams come true. Open to girls attending their junior or senior proms, the event provided free prom dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry, make-up, manicures, hair styling, dance lessons, photography and more. All clothing, accessories and services were donated by local businesses and individuals.

“Those girls are so happy, you have no idea,” said Michele Costello, a social worker for the Department of Children and Families who attended the event.

Many of the girls came in a bit wary and reserved, but quickly warmed up to the positive attention.

“This is really, really nice,” said one of the girls.

The girls weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the day. It was a moving experience for many volunteers, as well.

“The first girl I put into a dress this morning, I couldn’t stop crying,” said Irene P., a foster mom who was helping out.

It All Begins with a Fairy Godmother

In the morning, each girl met her “fairy godmother” who helped her choose a dress. Many of the fairy godmothers were student volunteers from the University of Hartford. “Prince Charmings” from the university were also on hand to escort the young women throughout the day.

The girls could select from racks and racks of dresses, the vast majority of which were donated by bridal shops and still had tags on them. Michele Fischer-Paul of Berlin also collected dresses from Consignment Originals in Cheshire, where she is a supervisor. Other gowns were donated by individuals. Used dresses were dry-cleaned for free by Sherwood Cleaners of Plainville and Bristol to restore their sparkle.

Seamstress and fashion designer Sarah Landry-Rodriguez of Bristol helped fit the girls and provided free alterations. “If my skills can help out, then I’m happy to do it,” she said.

Pampering Fit for a Princess

After choosing their dresses, the girls made their way farther along the “Avenue of Dreams” to the hair and make-up station. There they received free consultations and makeovers with students from Brio Academy in Meriden and East Hartford. Brio also gave each girl a $50 gift certificate to use at the academy.

The princesses-for-a-day were then treated to manicures. Said one volunteer nail technician, foster mother Amy K. from Meriden, “I think every girl should have her fairytale. This is a great way to provide that.”

Next, the girls chose shoes, jewelry and accessories to match their dresses, with free advice from volunteers like Angie Hinkel, the CAFAP liaison in Middletown. Hinkel’s daughter was a “princess” last year. Hinkel has been a foster parent for nearly 18 years. She has 11 children ranging in age from 18 months to 29 years (2 biological, 6 adopted and 3 foster).

“They’re awesome kids,” she said. “It’s amazing what a little love and consistency will do.”

With her final ensemble in place, each girl in her finery could have a professional photograph taken by Linday Vigue of Bristol. Then it was on to the last stop on the “avenue,” dance lessons by Carolyn Paine from CONNetic Dance Company of West Hartford, with music provided by Audio Xplosion Entertainment of Southbury. Accompanied by several Prince Charmings, the girls learned steps to popular party dances.

“I’m so happy to be a part of it,” Paine said. “I think every girl should have a wonderful prom memory.”

Queen for a Day

While the girls were off being treated like princesses, their moms or guardians were treated like queens for a day. They enjoyed a continental breakfast, social hour and retreat.

After an impromptu fashion show by some of the girls, the princesses and queens came together for a Royal Luncheon, followed by a “How to Make Your Dreams Come True” workshop in the afternoon.

As part of the workshop, each girl was asked to cut out magazine pictures that represent her dreams for the future. Many of the girls, like Ashleigh Fusco of Watertown, cut out pictures representing a good family and a nice home. Workshop leader Heather Lagace, a licensed professional counselor, helped the girls create a “vision board” to display their goals.

Throughout the workshop, each time the girls or their moms asked or answered questions, they earned dream dollars to use toward donated raffle prizes ranging from beauty products to dance lessons to theater tickets. In addition, all of the participants left with goodie bags.

That way, said Carolyn Paine, the girls have something to look forward to when they leave.

“The magic doesn’t end for them here.”

Editor’s Note: Some names and likenesses were not used to protect the identities of girls in foster care.