Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are the Fairy Goodmothers and what do they do?
Fairy Goodmothers is an all-volunteer, women-run nonprofit organization based out of Columbus, Ohio. Since our inception in 2005, we have provided dresses, jewelry, and accessories to over 18,000 high school students in need at our Cinderella's Closet Boutique held each spring. Our aim is to outfit anyone who comes through our door regardless of background; however, the majority of our students served come from low-income households. In 2023, we resumed operations after a three year COVID pause and were overwhelmed with the eager response to our services, resulting in a record year of 1,276 students served!
What is the Cinderella's Closet Boutique?
Cinderella's Closet Boutique (CCB) is the Fairy Goodmothers signature event where we set up a pop-up shop in the Columbus area for students in need to shop for prom attire - dresses, jewelry, accessories - free of charge. Each student is paired up with a personal shopper who will assist them in finding the right dress for them along with a purse, wrap, and jewelry. We aim to outfit each student who comes through our door!
Are you open year-round? Do you do homecoming?
We are only open in the spring for prom. We currently cannot accommodate shoppers for Homecoming as we spend the summer and fall planning for next year's Cinderella's Closet Boutique.
Who can get a dress through Fairy Goodmothers?
Anyone with a valid high school ID that wants a dress for prom can sign up to "shop" at our Cinderella's Closet Boutique.
I have a student in middle school. Can they come shop?
Our dress inventory accommodates students in women's sizes 0-36. Most dresses are often too large (or too long!) for middle school students, so our focus is and will continue to be on high school students.
I'm not a student. Can I come shop?
Our mission is focused on outfitting high school students for prom, so our inventory is geared towards supporting that focus. We may have capacity on the last day of the pop-up shop, please reach out to info@fairygoodmothers.org to check.
I am a parent/guardian. Can I shop with my student?
No. Our Cinderella's Closet Boutique is a unique experience that is geared towards the student. We aim to pair each student with a personal shopper that will help them narrow down a size, style, and look just for them.
However, if you have a student that has special needs and needs extra assistance and/or a guardian on hand to help, we can arrange it! Please email info@fairygoodmothers.org!
When can I sign up to shop at the Cinderella's Closet Boutique?
We release sign-ups for both students AND volunteers mid-January prior to the Cinderella's Closet Boutique. Sign-up links will be posted on our website, and we will alert everyone via email and social media. Stay tuned for CCB 2024 details!
Who can volunteer for Cinderella's Closet Boutique?
For CCB, we welcome female identifying volunteers ages 18 and up. Due to the demands of each volunteer role, we cannot accommodate younger volunteers and children at the Boutique. We do offer other events throughout the year where younger teens and children are welcome!
If you'd like to volunteer with us, please email volunteer@fairygoodmothers.org and we will add you to our volunteer list!
Do you carry formalwear for men?
We do not currently carry suits or other menswear.
What dress sizes do you carry?
We carry dresses in sizes 0-36 in a variety of colors and styles. We work very hard throughout the year receiving and processing donations - most of our dresses are donated from the community! We are incredibly grateful for dress donations as it helps offset costs for purchasing dresses. Dresses can cost an average of $90/dress and it really adds up!