A Night to Remember

Coastal Bend Fairy Godmothers Offer Free Prom Dress And Accessory Loans To Underprivileged Youth In The Coastal Bend

BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ

When Hunter needed surgery earlier this year, she knew she’d be limited in what she could do, but luckily, another Fairy Godmother joined the pack. Kacie Stanford, with the help of her partner, Edward “The Rooster” Ketch, took over daily operations to keep the organization running. “I’ve always followed the Facebook page and admired what [Hunter] did, but I didn’t get involved until [her surgery]. I knew that if I didn’t jump in to help, these kids wouldn’t get to go to prom,” Stanford said.

Once upon a time, there were little girls who dreamed of going to their proms, but when the time came, circumstances beyond their control prevented them from enjoying a princess moment. That is, until 2012, when a fairy godmother with a giant heart came to sprinkle fairy dust and make these dreams a reality.

When Teresa Hunter gained custody of her 11-year-old niece, she began purchasing dresses from Goodwill and garage sales to fulfill her daughter’s dreams of playing dress-up. After loaning out those dresses to her daughter’s friends, she became known as the “dress lady” in Rockport, and shortly after, “Rockport’s Fairy Godmother.” Hunter then realized the need for a Fairy Godmother was not only in Rockport, but all throughout the Coastal Bend.

Having experienced financial struggle as a child, Hunter saw herself in many of these kids who were unable to attend formal events for financial reasons. This reflection prompted Coastal Bend Fairy Godmothers, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free prom dress, menswear and accessory loans to school-aged individuals.

“Prom dresses are expensive, in addition to the prom ticket, and it’s isolating to not have the opportunity to attend,” Hunter said. “People think that since these kids can’t afford to attend prom, they don’t need to go, which is not true at all.”

Coastal Bend Fairy Godmothers accept monetary donations, along with formal items in good condition, including prom dresses, tuxedos, heels and rhinestone jewelry. The target audiences are 14-18 years old.

Mary Martinez, one of the original princesses from 2012, is a testament to the profound effect this organization has on young girls. “I grew up in poverty in a house with six siblings, worked two jobs to help pay the bills and missed out on so many other senior events in high school,” she recalled. “Without this organization, I would not have been able to go to prom.” Now, the “Princess turned Fairy Godmother” donates her time to help other students get their magical night at prom.

As wonderful as this organization has been for the community, it's currently struggling with storage space. After losing its space at Rockport-Fulton High School, the non-profit began operating out of climate-controlled storage units, but is still on the hunt for a new home. The Godmothers are hoping to find an affordable boutique-style location to enhance the experience for these kids.

Hunter and Stanford have many great ideas brewing for the future of the non-profit, and are spreading their fairy dust throughout the Coastal Bend to help local students create magical memories.

CONTACT: coastalbendfairygodmothers.com

Nicole B. Pruitt, D.M.D.

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Pruitt, also known as “Dr. Nikki”, is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and holds a degree in biology from Baylor University. After receiving her dental degree, she began a career as a dentist in the U.S. Navy. She completed a residency in general practice dentistry focused on the care of patients with compromised medical needs at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. After a tour in Okinawa, Japan, she returned to Texas to complete her graduate training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Following her training, she had the opportunity to be the Navy’s pediatric dentist in Sicily, Italy. She returned to Texas after 10 years in the Navy Dental Corps to join Kennedy Dental Care. She remains active in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Texas Association of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Pruitt and her husband, James, have three beautiful daughters that keep them very busy. She often shares the daily chaotic events of her own household with her patients and their families. She knows most of the popular kids TV shows, movies, and toys by default so she can relate well to her young patients. She is actively involved with her church as well as local and international ministries. She enjoys traveling, photography, cooking and most of all, being a wife and mother.