Students browse Cinderella's Closet as they prepare for ball

SLIDESHOW

It’s prom time, and that goes for students with disabilities, too.

Thanks to the fundraising and organizing efforts of the Woodbridge non-profit, The House, students with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses are once again being given star treatment and outfitted with free formal wear, jewelry and shoes in preparation for a night of dance, food and entertainment at the upscale Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington.

Dresses were donated from as far away as Nashville, Tenn. Some, like a white strapless with pink sash that was worn by a contestant in the Miss Ohio beauty pageant, are touched by glamorous pasts.

The actual event is May 30 at 6 p.m. But preparations and dress, shoe and jewelry collections began five months ago, according to Todd McCormick, who operates The House with his mother, Helen.

And Sunday, ball participants began the process of selecting and fitting their wear.

“She worked 91 hours this week,” Todd McCormick said of his mother.

This is the fourth Cinderella Ball hosted by The House. But the event never grows old, Helen said.

“It just tells a story that words can’t describe,” she said, describing the heartwarming picture that unfolds when each ball-goer arrives for the fitting.

One girl, for instance, cannot move any body part except for her thumb.

“But she knows what she wants,” Todd said, “and she just points.”

Others who attend have cerebral palsy, autism or are cancer survivors. Once on the dance floor, though, it’s hard to tell “because when things start happening, disabilities start to disappear,” he said.

The House is a leadership training program for at-risk students between the grades of four and 12. Once a year, the McCormicks offer these students the chance to give back by way of the Cinderella Ball and volunteer to help plan, coordinate and assist ball-goers with whatever special needs arise during the evening.

The House still needs table and student sponsors for this year’s event. A $150 donation would cover the cost of one student to attend; a $1,500 contribution would pay for a table of 10.

There’s still time to participate, also. Another dress fitting is scheduled for Sunday and students with parents wishing to attend can make an appointment by contacting The House at 703-928-1402.

Staff writer Cheryl Chumley can be reached at 703-670-1907.