The thought of a fairy tale prom has many girls planning months in advance to find a perfect dress, the right shoes, and matching accessories to make their high school prom unforgettable. The opportunity is not enjoyed by everyone, however, and Carrie Grosz intends to change that.

"I think there are really good teens who are just experiencing hard times,"said Grosz, "We just want to provide the opportunity to everybody." Grosz, along with Maureen Wanner and Michelle Gayette, began "Belle of the Ball,"an event that will provide a prom night to less privileged teens who otherwise would not attend the formal. Girls will attend a "Boutique for a day,"according to Grosz, and each will have an individual shopper available to help select items that match their body style, skin tone, and personality.

This Belle of the Ball's first year.

Entrance to the boutique is by invitation only and will provide free dresses and accessories to junior and senior high school girls in the area. Eligible participants will be located through Bismarck-Mandan area school counselors. A date hasn't been set yet for the event.

Wanner, who owns a salon, will provide hair and make-up tips for the event which also includes a photographer. "We just want the girls … to have the fairy tale prom night as much as anybody," she said.

Organizers are seeking donations - formal dresses and accessories (shoes, jewelry, etc.) can be given to Trinity Lutheran Church at 310 E. Ave. A in Bismarck. Acceptable donations are items the people donating would wear to a black tie affair. Belle of the Ball will update vintage dresses and alter dresses that may need it. Atax deductible receipt will be available for donations.

Belle of the Ball, a subdivision of Carrie's Kids in Bismarck, is "A team effort,"said Grosz. Carrie's Kids is a non-profit organization which focuses on providing opportunities for less fortunate children.

"It's a very big thing," Grosz said about proms. "To be in a community which supports (Belle of the Ball) is just amazing. It's truly a blessing."

For more information contact Gayette at 226-3074, Wanner at 400-5457 or Grosz at 527-4927.

(Reach reporter Brian Jackson at brian.jackson@bismarcktribune.com.)