It’s a girl’s most memorable event from high school. Shopping for that beautiful one-of-a-kind gown, searching for the perfect pair of shoes to accompany dress of her dreams, and finding that “just right” piece of jewelry that doesn’t draw too much attention away from the girl wearing the dress. Yes, it is prom. The one night that every girl attending can feel like a princess.  The harsh reality of the financial burden of this milestone event, for many girls, has crushed their fantasy. Prom can be just another event to stress over due to the outrageous costs of all the essentials needed to make this day perfect.

Founded in 2006 by a mother-daughter team, Pam and Emily Philipp, Operation Glass Slipper has made the opportunity of attending high school prom available to every girl struggling with financial circumstances. The organization provides full prom wear and accessories at no cost to girls.

Schools from all over the state set up dress drives for students to donate anything that could help Operation Glass Slipper with their mission. Seniors Katie McClurg and Rose Geiwitz have coordinated BSM’s own Operation Glass Slipper dress drive for the past two years. “We found out about the organization through my cousin [Meredith Montana].  She used to coordinate the dress drive at BSM before she graduated. I really wanted to keep it going because I think it is a great cause and I know how fortunate students at BSM are. I wanted to make sure that other girls are getting the same experience we get from attending Prom,” said McClurg.

In order to encourage students to donate, for every item students brought in, their name was entered into a raffle. At the end of the drive, three names were drawn. Two winners received Spirit Shop gift cards and the grand prize winner won two prom tickets. “The drive was a huge success. We had over 50 dresses brought in. A lot more shoes, purses, and jewelry were donated, as well––way more than we had expected,” said McClurg.

This year’s event was held on March 13 and 14 at the Mall of America. Operation Glass Slipper even provides complimentary alterations on all prom wear. The event was a huge hit for girls in search of their dream dresses.