Sheraton Washington North to host The Magic Wand Project 2013 Event

LAUREL, Md. - April 3, 2013 - PRLog -- The Magic Wand Project is proud to announce it has once again secured 2013 event sponsorship from the Sheraton Washington North (“Sheraton”) hotel in Beltsville, Maryland. The only Magic Wand Project Giveaway for 2013 will be held at the Sheraton on Sunday, April 7 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.  Cathy Hochman, Director of Catering for the hotel noted they were thrilled to be able to assist with The Magic Wand Project's goals for 2013.   “I’m so glad we were able to help, we were happy to have the connection since we hosted the Maryland chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., here just a couple of years back and found out about their generous donation to you" said Hochman who was excited to be able to extend a complimentary meeting space for the giveaway.

The event at the Sheraton will feature two dressing room areas, one for girls and one for boys, as well as the favors that The Project gives out to the students who attend.  Dress and tuxedo collection will also be taken at the Sheraton event and must be cleaned prior to donation.  "It helps us enormously when the items are previously dry cleaned," said Freeland, "and to remember to donate items that are genuinely gently used.  We appreciate every donation we receive, but want to remind people the importance of the items looking as new as possible; we want to make sure the students get quality items."

In today’s challenging economy, it is exceptionally difficult for families to balance expenses associated with high school activities and college preparation with everyday living expenses.  

The Magic Wand Project endeavors to help high school students, who would most likely be unable to attend one of the most important and memorable events of their young lives.  The criteria simple; be a current junior or senior high school student, and be financially unable to afford appropriate attire to attend prom, homecoming, or other school related formal events.

Bridesmaid’s dresses that have been worn only once or even brand new with tags still attached, have delivered smiles and laughter, disbelief and surprise.  From its inception, The Magic Wand Project has paid it forward through their efforts of collecting dresses, accessories, and tuxedos and in return, experienced the warm embrace of young men, young women and parents whom they have never met.  Across the country, various other organizations are dedicated to providing formal gowns for young women, but the distinction for the Project is they focus on including donations for young men.  Almost immediately, charitable donations started coming in, not only from local donors, but also from as far away as Georgia and from organizations that include Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, and Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.  This positive response demonstrated the widespread interest in such a worthy cause.  The Project has received generous donations from Discovery, Nordstrom, Morton's and other businesses who believe paying it forward for students is important.

At each party, students receive gifts and enjoy refreshments as they try on and select their prom attire.  At one of the 2009 parties, a deaf mother was brought to tears seeing her son select a tuxedo and her daughter expressed her thanks through hugs and smiles.  Currently, the Project assists high school students in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.  However, the goal is to become a nationwide resource for students who do not have an organization in their area.  Since the 2008 inception, over 500 new and gently used gowns, dresses, shoes and accessories have been collected for the Cinderella’s and tuxedos, suits, shoes and accessories have been collected for the Cinderfella's.  Donations continue to be received throughout the year via donation drives hosted by the Project, website inquiries and word-of-mouth.

Wedding and event planning firms, Black Bag Productions and Events of Sophistication collaborated in April 2008 to launch The Magic Wand Project ("TMWP").  Its primary mission and focus is to provide formal attire for young men and women whose families may not be able to afford the costs of formal accessories, gowns and tuxedos.  For more information on the Magic Wand Project and its events, become a fan on Facebook under The Magic Wand Project – The Original! or visit the site, www.themagicwandproject.com

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Diane Freeland is a certified wedding planner and member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and the National Association of Professional Women. She received her wedding planning certification from the Wedding Planning Institute in 2006 and shortly thereafter launched Events of Sophistication. In 2009, Diane received Wedding Wire’s Bride’s Choice Award for outstanding service. Execution with style and attention to detail are her goals and clients are given first class service in the creation of their signature wedding or event.

Kim Moss is a certified wedding planner and member of the American Academy of Wedding Professionals. As owner of Black Bag Productions, she is an event planner/strategist specializing in corporate and non-profit event planning and production. With 15 years of event planning experience, that includes high profile political and celebrity studded events, conferences, gala and fundraising event productions, weddings, fashion shows and private parties.