Part of prom night is about looking your best, but the best prom fashion can cost a pretty penny. With exorbitantly high prices for fancy suits and dresses from retail stores, many West Valley students are not willing or able to pay. This is where a family-run Utah nonprofit group is making a difference. 

On Jan. 24, in partnership with the Granite Education Foundation and the Hunter High Parent Teacher Student Association, The Cinderella Project hosted a sale at Hunter High School. The school’s gym was filled with displays and racks of stunning dresses as well as ties, shoes, corsages, boutonniéres, and everything else needed for excellent prom night fashion, all at affordable prices. Each dress was on sale for $20 or less, allowing any student to find something right for them. 

 “I was able to find a dress I really liked for a very affordable price,” said Hunter High student Evelyn Stoddard. “It’s nice to know that these dresses are going to good homes instead of getting thrown out.” 

A dress from the Cinderella Project sale. (Zachary Smith/City Journals)

The Cinderella Project Utah is a community-driven initiative with the mission of ensuring every Utah student can find their perfect suit or dress for school dances by making formal wear available and accessible for all. This is done by collecting donations of new or lightly used prom dresses and menswear to resell for prices that students can afford. All proceeds from the sales go to local Utah schools. The organization is currently partnered with four Utah school districts, including Granite. 

The Cinderella Project was founded in 2017 by Jim and Angela Miller. Although Angela passed away in 2024 after a battle with cancer, her family carries on her memory by continuing her work. In 2026, the project is the biggest it has ever been, receiving thousands of donations and hosting sales at schools throughout the valley. 

Although this is the third year The Cinderella Project has operated at Hunter High School, it is the first year it has been fully run through the Granite Education Foundation and the Hunter High PTSA’s partnership. Many parents and students in the PTSA volunteered at the event. Members of the Miller family were also present. 

“We were privileged to have the family of The Cinderella Project come to guide us as we continue the legacy that they started,” said Hunter High PTSA president Chrissy Breeze. “The excitement from the students as they were able to find a dress or suit that they loved was priceless.” 

Sales like the one at Hunter High helps to make formal school dances more inclusive while empowering West Valley City youth by allowing them to feel confident and special at any budget level. Affordable fashion promotes positive body image among teens and reduces financial burdens on families. The project also helps students “give back” by donating clothing, preventing it from going to waste. 

Now, The Cinderella Project Utah is already planning next year’s sale, and they still accept donations of formal dresses, suits, shirts, ties, pants, shoes and accessories. Donations can be brought to Hunter High School or the Granite Education Foundation.