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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, November 11, 2009 · 22 The Prom Project is making wishes come true for students Continued from page 18 knows that as she, too, was a big sister. The Appleby group has developed a website, secured a storage area in an Appleby residence and are in the process of planning of a classy, hors d'oeuvres-andrefreshments gala boutique to be held in May. At that gala, they will -- in addition to creating the upscale ambiance -- become the personal shoppers, advisors and confidantes of those arriving for personal, oneon-one assistance in getting glitzed up for prom night. The idea was that of Fernandes, a business and global issues teacher in Appleby's social sciences program. The group of students -- Nikki Kipp, 15 and Alex Beran, 16, both Senior I students, and De'ath, Alex Henderson and Ashley Thistlewaite, all 17-year-old Seniors II students -- seized upon the opportunity. None have anything more than a personal interest in fashion, but all know what prom night means to them. Fernandes said the idea was born last summer when she read about Toronto's Corsage Project. Other similar efforts are The Princess Project in California and The Cinderella Project in Vancouver. "I saw the need for an organization that would help all high school students attend prom with confidence. Working at such a resourceful school, I have gathered a small group of ambitious young women and we have started a small student-run organization called, The Prom Project," said Fernandes. They are collecting new and gently-used prom dresses, young men's formal attire as well as accessories. Invitees to the gala boutique will be graduating students, male and female, in the Halton region who have either requested an invite on the project's website, or whom have been referred through local agencies including school principals. The students have set fairly stringent rules for donations, as well, as they don't want to offer anything substandard to those they are trying to help, said Fernandes. Garments must be clean, modern, have no holes, missing or broken straps or zippers. "What's different about our project is that we made the decision because the girls saw the need for young men's prom attire as well," said Fernandes, noting no such assistance exists formally in Halton. While the project has just been in the works since September, and the group has just begun putting the word out to the community in recent weeks, already its organizers are contemplating the possible need for a name change. That's because feedback from local agencies is not only indicating the need for prom attire amongst many local youths, but also a great need for apparel for job interviews, confirmations -- even for the parents of youths to attend such functions. Fernandes is pleased her idea was seized upon so quickly and positively by not only Appleby students, but also received to such an extent in the community. "I try to make students aware of global issues as well as local ones," said Fernandes, noting a bonus to the entire affair is that it promotes sustainability, too, through the reuse of items that may otherwise not be used -- and it gives people cleaning out their closets a boost to know that rather than throwing out one of their own memories, they are passing it along to someone else to create their own memory. For Beran, a dedicated shopper, the project has the appeal of knowing all youths will get the experience of going shopping and picking out their prom attire. For more information or to donate, drop off donations at Appleby's main entrance in the Nichols Art Centre at 540 Lakeshore Rd. W., visit www.thepromproject.webs.c om, or contact Fernandes at mfernandes@appleby.on.ca, 905-845-4681, ext. 342 or www.appleby.on.ca. P R E S E N TS : $ 1O + A NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DONATION. PORTION OF PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE MISSISSAUGA FOOD BANK. Get on the path to health. Fun & active adult health & fitness programs. doors open at 5 pm Shopping, Fashion Shows, Entertainment, Lots of Prizes! HOSTED BY RAMSIN KHACHI We are pleased to welcome Ramsin back to our holiday show as Centre Stage Host. Ramsin is the Design/Build Contractor, who dispenses incredible design ideas and dresses in his signature flashy shirts. He spends a great deal of time researching advances in the construction and design industries; passionately bringing that information to the public and educating them on the latest new products, designs and innovations. Ramsin makes regular appearances as a guest expert on CityLine. COOKING DEMO BY CHEF JASON PARSONS Since Exceutive Chef Jason Parsons' arrival at Peller Estates Winery Restaurant, it has gained recognition as the leading dining destination in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Jason brings more than 20 years of culinary experience, gathered from some of the world's most renowned restaurants. Jason works closely with Peller Estates' Winemaker Lawrence Buhler, creating inspired cuisine that marries perfectly with the wines of Peller Estates. Jason is also recognizable as a familiar television personality as a guest expert on CityLine. www.ymcaofoakville.com Time is running out to take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC). COCKTAIL DEMO BY JEREMY PARSONS Jeremy founded Cocktails the Fluid Experience, a Toronto based Beverage Marketing and Event Management Company that specializes in the alcohol industry 10 years ago. He creates new cocktails, food and martini recipes for many of the top brands in Canada and is regarded as Canada's top mixologist and one of the best in North America. His work takes him internationally to speak at numerous conventions and trade shows, bars and galas where he and his staff present the latest and greatest liquid creations for your sampling pleasure. 18 Wednesday, November Visit westofthecity.com for more information FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CALL: 905.845.8536 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR AND AT FORMULA MEDIA GROUP/ WEST OF THE CITY, 447 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE. SHOPPING SPONSOR BEVERAGE SPONSORS th ...at the oakville conference & banquet centre, 2515 wyecroft road, oakville. SPONSORED BY FOOD SPONSORS AYA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE 1195 North Service Rd. · 905.847.1522 · www.AyAkitchens.com