One activity that girls never get too old for is playing dress up. So I was thrilled to volunteer for the Junior League of Huntsville’s Butterfly Project. I spent the day helping high school girls find the prom dress of their dreams, completing a circle of generosity that started months ago.

Dress 1

Miranda (names changed) came in with her mother. Even after trying on about 8 or 9 dresses I could tell that we had not found THE dress. Miranda had looked amazing in all the dresses, but I had not seen that sparkle in her eyes. Then she walked out in a bright blue ball gown. Poofy and sparkly.

A princess.

But I could tell this dress was special for a reason. Miranda was Spanish but had never had her traditional quinceañera. This dress was not only her prom dress but also her the quinceañera dress she never had. As she twirled for her mother, who was fighting back tears, I was so moved that I had played even a small role in helping make this young woman’s dream come true.

Dress 2

My next butterfly, Lisa found a dress almost immediately. As we were looking at the clutches I stopped to take a picture of Lisa. I mentioned that I would be writing this blog post and I noticed that the two girls’ faces lit up with interest. They asked me about my work blogging and how I got into it. Apparently someone at their school advised them not to go into marketing because it was a competitive field and there were no jobs in it.

I told them competition should never stop you from pursuing anything. If you’re good, you will get a job, but marketing (digital marketing especially) is actually a segment where jobs are growing, especially if you have experience. In the end we had a long discussion about college, internships, digital marketing, social media, and more. I passed along the advice I wish people had told me when I was their age.

Dress 3

Carrie came in with her mother and a very specific idea about what she wanted. This girl wanted a Cinderella ball gown. As we set out grabbing dresses, her mother pulled me aside and wished me luck. She said that Carrie was extremely picky and I was going to have a very difficult time finding a dress that she liked.

I looked her mother straight in the eye and said not a problem. I’ll find something she’ll love and looks amazing in! She just looked down at me, (I’m all of 5’1” and she had to be 5’10”) shrugged and went to sit down, waiting no doubt for the dress rejection to begin. Much to her surprise, I picked out the dress that Carrie fell in love with: a purple Cinderella ball gown.

Butterfly Project Takes Wings

Started in 2006, The Butterfly Project is an effort to boost self-esteem among local high school girl. The Butterfly Project focuses on an important event in every girls’ life, their high school prom, which can quickly become an expensive occasion. Understanding this expense could keep some girls from attending the prom, League members work closely with guidance counselors and teachers at area schools to identify deserving girls each year.

These butterflies show a commitment to academia, exhibit leadership qualities, and demonstrate an ability to persevere in the face of hardship. Each butterfly chosen gets to shop at the Butterfly Boutique and take home a dress, shoes, jewelry, a handbag, and other accessories for prom night.

In 2012, Junior League dressed 160 butterflies.

How You Can Support The Butterfly Project

The Butterfly Project committee gladly accepts as donations: new or gently used formal dresses and evening bags, new jewelry and shoes, monetary donations for scholarships and other expenses, restaurant and salon gift certificates, and new or used laptop computers. Click here to donate.

What is The Junior League?

You may have seen us around town in our red shirts or red tights, but the Junior Legue does much more than Apple Annie. We are an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our programs range from supporting schools with Operation Education to partnering with local nonprofits through Helping Hands to uplifting audiences with our Rainbow Rhythm Band. To learn about all of the Junior League’s programs, click here.

Upcoming Junior League Events

Bunny Brunch
Date: Saturday, March 31
Time: 10am and 12pm seatings
Cost: $15 Tickets still available to the 12pm seating
Let your children experience the magic of breakfast with the Easter Bunny as you dine with him in the Grand Hall at Earlyworks Children’s Museum.
Click here to purchase tickets.

Boots and Bling
Date: Friday, April 20
Time: 7pm
Cost: $25
A fun filled evening at  Booth’s Lumberyard with entertainment 45 Surprise.
Click here to purchase tickets.