Tom Evans | Contributing Editor EAST VALLEY WOMEN’S LEAGUE Signature Cinderella Affair program makes girls feel like princesses THE STORY The East Valley Women’s League was started by sisters Tara Stainton and Tracy Worischeck in 2001, with the goal of creating a group through friendships that would work to inspire and aid women and children. The initial group had 40 members, and the group’s focus and size grew steadily over time. Since its inception, the League has distributed more than 7,000 backpacks to students, comforted more than 2,000 cancer patients and given away more than $200,000 in scholarships. But its signature program is what the League is probably best known for — a unique way to boost the self-esteem of young people while preparing them for one of the most memorable nights of their lives. THE CAUSE The Cinderella Affair is the League’s way of impacting the lives of young women by providing them with access to formal wear, jewelry and accessories for their junior and senior proms and other key events. It distributes both new and gently used formal wear. “We really try to work on the self-esteem for the children that come through,” said Traci Estenson, chief fairy godmother (or event chair) for the Cinderella Affair. “We accept all junior and senior high school students with valid IDs. We give away dresses, shoes, purses, bras and jewelry to everyone who comes in, no matter what your background is or your economic status. It’s all free.” To date, the Cinderella Affair has given away more than 16,000 dresses to young people, and the joy that the program creates is palpable. Estenson and co-chair Tammy Fielding shared the story of a girl who was a self-described tomboy who came CHARITY SPOTLIGHT {giving back} 38 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MARCH 2019

Thanks to the tireless work of volunteers and the donation of thousands of gowns, the Cinderella Affair gives girls an opportunity to find a formal look they love — at no charge.