Esther’s Dream is a reality for “Girl Scout Gold Project”

Esther’s Dream is a project to provide new or gently used prom and homecoming dresses, shoes and accessories to young women in Morrow County. The project is located upstairs in the Mount Gilead School Administration Building on Cherry Street.

The activity is the Girl Scout Gold award project of Taylor Clark, 2015 graduate of Mount Gilead High School. The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in the Girl Scout Organization. It challenges girls to make a change in the world – at least in their corner of the world.

When you walk into the show room of the Esther’s Dream Project in the Mount Gilead Administration Building on Cherry Street, you have the feeling of walking into a high class department store. Formal dresses are hung on three circular racks and decorations are in soft feminine colors.

The Project is the brainchild of Clark. She spent the past year collecting used or new prom and homecoming dresses for girls in Morrow County. There are also shoes, accessories and make up available for these young adults and there is no charge for any of these dresses or accessories. She also got donations of furniture, mirrors and other furnishings for the rooms.

The Esther’s Dream Project is located in upstairs rooms that were unused, former classrooms in the building. One room is a showroom that contains the dresses, shoes and accessories and the other is a dressing room with mirrors.

Both rooms are filled with framed quotes that Clark hopes will boost the girls’ confidence and remind them they are special.

“Everyone feels like a princess when they’re dressed up in a beautiful prom dress,” commented Clark.

Clark thanked United Way Director, Jodi Hayes for her role in coordinating the project with her and for publicizing the project. She also thanked the Mount Gilead School Board and Superintendent Thompson for their support in allowing the use of the rooms without a rental charge. The Consolidated Electric Fund donated money for the dress and jewelry racks. And many people in the community donated dresses, shoes and accessories.

Taylor’s mom, Barb Clark said that this project has been a major focus for Taylor this year. She got the idea from hearing about similar projects in Columbus. One major difference is that there is a charge at some other places and this project has been organized with very little cost so there is no charge for the dresses or anything at the project.

Taylor’s dad, Charles “Charlie” Clark added that this has been a major project before she goes to college this fall. She will be attending Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida where she will be majoring in marine biology.

Taylor is pleased that they were already able to have 18 girls get dresses for the prom this spring. They look forward to open the rooms for Homecoming this fall and next spring for the prom season.

Esther’s Dream is open to all girls in Morrow County high schools and open times and information will be announced at the schools.

For any questions, appointments or to make donations of dresses, shoes, accessories or makeup, call Jodi Hayes at United Way of Morrow County at 419-946-2053.

The full length version of this story and more photos can be found on our website at www.morrowcountysentinel.com.

Alberta Stojkovic is a correspondent with the Morrow County Sentinel and can be reached at [email protected].

Taylor Clark stands in the dressing room of the Esther’s Dream Project, which is her Project for the Girl Scout Gold Award. The decorative light is one of the donations to the project.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN72872.jpgTaylor Clark stands in the dressing room of the Esther’s Dream Project, which is her Project for the Girl Scout Gold Award. The decorative light is one of the donations to the project.

There is always a need for shoes and purses, which are displayed here at the Esther’s Dream project.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN72912.jpgThere is always a need for shoes and purses, which are displayed here at the Esther’s Dream project.

There are lots of reminders for girls to shop that this is a special place and they are special people. Esther’s Dream project will continue to accept donations of dresses, shoes and accessories through United Way of Morrow County.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN72922.jpgThere are lots of reminders for girls to shop that this is a special place and they are special people. Esther’s Dream project will continue to accept donations of dresses, shoes and accessories through United Way of Morrow County.

Three racks of Prom and Homecoming dresses are in Esther’s Dream in two of the upstairs rooms at Cherry Street Mount Gilead Schools Administration Building. The dresses can be chosen by Morrow County High School girls.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN72932.jpgThree racks of Prom and Homecoming dresses are in Esther’s Dream in two of the upstairs rooms at Cherry Street Mount Gilead Schools Administration Building. The dresses can be chosen by Morrow County High School girls.

At the Open House for Esther’s Dream with Jodi Hayes, Director of United Way who helped coordinate the activities for the project.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN72972.jpgAt the Open House for Esther’s Dream with Jodi Hayes, Director of United Way who helped coordinate the activities for the project.

Taylor’s Aunt, Karen Clark, worked with her to create a make up corner in the showroom. Karen also donated quite a lot of Mary Kay cosmetics for the project.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN73002.jpgTaylor’s Aunt, Karen Clark, worked with her to create a make up corner in the showroom. Karen also donated quite a lot of Mary Kay cosmetics for the project.

Several small, elegant touches around the room are there to remind girls they are special and to boost their confidence.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN73032.jpgSeveral small, elegant touches around the room are there to remind girls they are special and to boost their confidence.

Taylor with her mom and dad, Barb and Charles Clark.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN73062.jpgTaylor with her mom and dad, Barb and Charles Clark.

Taylor’s friend, Kurtis Brown, helped to carry up the dresser where jewelry and accessories are displayed.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN73072.jpgTaylor’s friend, Kurtis Brown, helped to carry up the dresser where jewelry and accessories are displayed.

Esther was a beautiful princess in the Old Testament. 18 girls have already gotten dresses at the Esther’s Dream project for Prom this spring.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN73082.jpgEsther was a beautiful princess in the Old Testament. 18 girls have already gotten dresses at the Esther’s Dream project for Prom this spring.

Taylor’s mom, Barb Clark with Taylor’s grandparents Miriam and Ben Kensinger.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_last-DSCN72942.jpgTaylor’s mom, Barb Clark with Taylor’s grandparents Miriam and Ben Kensinger.