Lake Catholic Students Collecting Prom Dresses For Less Fortunate Saturday

seniors Erin Radigan and Bonnie Zappitelli know how expensive prom can be.

"I know some people who spent $400 on the dress alone," Erin said.

Erin and Bonnie also know that not everyone can afford all the lavish accoutrements that often go with prom. That's why they are collecting gently used homecoming and prom dresses for the less fortunate from 8 a.m. to noon today (April 28) in Lake Catholic atrium.

"I feel like every girl should have a prom and get that one fairy-tale night, even if they can't afford it," Bonnie said.

The dresses that the girls will collect go to My Fairy God Mother, a nonprofit in North Randall that provides prom dresses, shoes and purses to girls who could not otherwise afford it.

Bonnie and Erin also . They donated almost 150 dresses to My Fairy God Mother in 2011.

They already collected 15 dresses from their classmates Friday.

Erin said they got the idea for a prom dress drive from Seventeen magazine.

"These our girls our own age so it's easy to relate to them," Erin said.

Anyone wishing to donate gently used formal prom dresses or accessories can call 216-355-9710 to schedule an appointment or bring them to My Fairy God Mother -- 4652 Warrensville Center Rd., Suite 2, North Randall -- on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., now through prom season.