The Cinderella Project

from Spring Sparkle - March 2020

Dopamine Resistance

Prom is a highly anticipated night in a teenager’s life. Months leading up to the event consist of planning, asking that special someone in the most unique way, discussing whose house to get ready at, what hairstyle and nail color to do, and dinner plans. But what makes this night especially special… finding the perfect dress. This perfect dress will be stunning, make her feel absolutely gorgeous, and spark confidence. This will be a dress that not only makes her feel great but is an absolute showstopper. Dress shopping is an exciting event in itself that most girls eagerly await. They get to try on many beautiful dresses of all different types. They try A-lines and ball gowns, sequins and satin, until they find the perfect dress that fits their unique personality and style. These young women know they’ve found their dress when they feel the most like themselves, the most beautiful, and their faces light up while their family and friends’ jaws drop.

While dress shopping is fun, purchasing an actual dress can be stressful. Memories Bridal partnered with The Junior League of Kalamazoo in 2006 to make sure that no young woman misses this special night because of their dress. The Cinderella Project of Kalamazoo is a one-day, annual event that provides free prom dresses and accessories to local

high school girls in need. They give away hundreds of beautiful dresses to make sure this night is a dream come true.

“Our goal is to make sure every young lady that wants to attend prom has the opportunity to do so no matter her personal or financial hardships.”

This year, the event giveaway is happening on March 27th. Any girl who needs services is welcome to attend but must be present to receive a free dress. All they need is a valid student ID (proof on enrollment) as only high school girls can attend. This event is based off an honor system, so no proof of financial need is necessary. Because of this, every girl gets to enjoy the event of finding her perfect dress for her special Cinderella night.

The event is held at the Girls Scouts Heart of Michigan (601 W. Maple Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49008) and donations can be given to Memories Bridal & Evening Wear in Downtown Kalamazoo .

Emily is finishing her degree in Writing with a minor in Political Science at Grand Valley State University. In college, she has been a member of the Laker Marching Band and the GV Running Club. Emily enjoys writing creative nonfiction and is passionate about writing young adult fiction to inspire young writers.

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Auto Show CAR BUYING AND THE ART OF THE

The car buying process can be really intimidating. Depending on your tastes and preferences, there’s a lot to cipher through to figure out where to even start. Do we have a budget? Brand preference? Truck, SUV or car?

Then it comes to the internet or your local dealer. The problem is that you can’t see everything and are limited to the brand, whatever they have on their site or on the lot you’re looking at.

It got me to thinking: where can you see more than one vehicle in one place?

An auto show! The first of modern auto shows was in 1900 at Madison Square Garden. It set, and still sets, the precedence as an opportunity for manufacturers to show the public what they had coming out. Now, I’m sure the show was limited on who could show product in 1900, but 120 years later, the process is just the same.

It’s a brilliant concept: bring your new cars/ models to a showplace where the media and general public can see what you have to offer for the next year. Sure, not every option available will be there, but they’ll bring the best and everyone will have a chance to see it in person.

Last month was the Michigan Auto Show in Grand Rapids and it was a neat, little show for the area. However, after years of attending the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the international show is far more spectacular with more elaborate displays, the manufacturers aplenty, and the shows to debut the cars are “tres magnifique”—one year,

Jeep had aerial ribbon dancers drop from the ceiling. It gets pretty snazzy. The benefit there, too, is that Detroit is home to the three main American manufacturers, so of course the debuts and displays are much more exquisite— they make sure to put on a good show.

A benefit to shows is that these brands and manufacturers have product specialists at their displays to answer any questions you might have about the product. Very rarely can you stump them on the spot (I’ve only done it once, but I was working marketing for the product at the time, so I knew what I was doing…).

This, in turn, gives you a near-rare opportunity to really take a look at the car. How does it feel to sit in the new 2021 Subaru Crosstrek you’ve been eyeing? Does it have the options you’re interested in? Maybe you want to compare it to the upcoming Chevrolet Trailblazer? But the new body on the Ford Escape is intriguing…

In the car buying experience, the auto show is another (you could say “fun”) option for you to see what’s out there and ease the search process a little bit. I can tell you with all I know (live and breathe) about cars, I still enjoy hopping into vehicles I’m interested in at the show to get a real feel for what they are like. This year, I’ve already got my next car picked out after sifting through the five or six I’ve had in mind.

If you’re interested in attending a show, by the time this comes out you’ll have missed the Chicago Auto Show which runs in early February. But NAIAS (Detroit) has been moved to the summer and runs longer than most shows. The press and charity events are June 7-12 and the show opens to the public June 13-20.

Grab the kids, as they’ll love jumping in and out of cars (and that’s strangely encouraged), and enjoy the plethora of vehicles available at your literal fingertips. Maybe also nab a box of Ruba’s fudge while you’re there too, it is delicious and highly recommended.

And it’s not to say the internet or the dealer cannot offer the same thing or something similar. Working in a dealership myself, I’ve seen customers that are incredibly loyal to the brand and their salesperson, and they come back year after year, vehicle after vehicle. It’s awe-inducing at times, as I would never have thought to have that kind of relationship with a salesperson. But they exist, and they make your buying process a lot more simple, enjoyable and personable.

For the rest of us stubborn buffoons, like myself, it’s on to the internet to see what is out there. Some of us are up for the chase, though, and may justify driving 400 miles to nab the exact car we want because we know what we want, and that’s how we’re going to get it.

And, well, if you ever need a helping hand or guidance in anything car, you know where to find me.

Lalita Chemello is a Detroit-born writer newly displaced to the west side of the state. She’s written/edited for New Roads lifestyle magazine and Panorama. Her other passions are photography, motorsports and screenwriting. You can also occasionally find her around town on her vintage two wheels.