A Cinderella Ball

DO NOT MISS This Video

2008-06-03T10:54:00.000-04:00

This video is linked on our post about the Washington Post's coverage of the ball, but we really, really don't want you to miss it.

Express Hit

2008-06-02T14:22:00.000-04:00

To make sure people saw the Cinderella Ball story, the Post put it in this morning's Express. The full print version of the Express is available here. Go to page 11.

Washington Post Coverage of the Cinderella Ball

2008-06-02T09:10:00.001-04:00

The Washington Post published today an excellent report on the 3rd Annual Cinderella Ball that went off brilliantly at the Willard InterContinental on Saturday, May 31.

Not only did Maria Glod write a wonderful piece about the ball, but the whole Washington Post team put together a brilliant collection of editorial, photos and video (see below). We've put some of it below, but we hope that, after you get a taste of it here on our site, you'll visit the Post's full report and check out everything they did about the ball. And don't forget to check out all the great comments readers left about the ball and the Post's coverage.

We would encourage everyone to thank Maria and the Post for their generous and gracious coverage and then send the story to everyone you know.

You will never know how much the Post's efforts meant to all of us at The House.

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Dancing to Dreams At the Cinderella Ball
Students With Disabilities Savor Their Night in the Limelight

By Maria Glod
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, June 2, 2008; B01

Stella Jackson had imagined this moment for weeks. Her everyday ponytail had been transformed into a cascade of curls in a two-hour salon visit that morning. Now, she glided across the ballroom, teal gown shimmering.

With a big smile she'd wear all night, the 20-year-old senior at Prince William County's Freedom High School leaned into the touch-screen computer attached to her wheelchair.

"I'm happy," she typed. "Sexy."

Then she gave a mischievous nod toward the 17-year-old standing nearby, the young man she would dance with for hours. "Aaron said wow."

Stella, who has cerebral palsy, soon was shimmying and swaying to the booming music of Hillary Duff and Mary J. Blige at the Cinderella Ball, an annual prom for students with disabilities held Saturday night in downtown Washington. Under a swirl of colored lights, girls in sparkly dresses tossed aside high-heeled shoes. Boys in tuxedos pulled off ties. But at a prom like no other, the labels, insecurities and inhibitions that are part of high school life for all students also were shed on that dance floor.

[...]

Helen McCormick, a former Arkansas schoolteacher, held the first Cinderella Ball three years ago at the House, a youth center she runs with her son Todd in a Woodbridge warehouse. They wanted it to be special, glamorous. About 78 students attended.

Last year, the dance outgrew the building, spreading into a tent in the parking lot. This year, during a months-long push for donations, McCormick marched into the Willard InterContinental asking for whatever decorations could be spared, perhaps "almost-dead flowers." She walked out with a free ballroom.

McCormick and the students who come to the House after school to do homework and shoot baskets raised about $100,000 for the ball. They went door-to-door and stood outside convenience stores collecting change. Invitations went out through Prince William and Fairfax county schools, and word spread to students elsewhere in the region.

In the weekends leading up to the dance, girls came to the House to pick donated dresses from racks. Volunteer seamstresses made sure they fit just right, and there were tables of jewelry, shoes and evening bags. For the boys, there were ties and crisp handkerchiefs.

[...]

Just before 6 p.m., U.S. Marines in dress uniform flanked two paths to the Willard doors, holding gleaming swords in an arch as each guest arrived. After a dinner of chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans, followed by ice cream and mini cookies, came a motivational speech from Kyle Maynard, who was born without arms below the elbows or legs below the knees. "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard sang.

[...]

As Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" started, Randy Hildebrandt, an Air Force officer in dress uniform, whisked his daughter, Caleigh, onto the floor. Holding hands, they danced, her deep purple dress glittering as her wheelchair spun.

"We're going to close the house down," said Caleigh, 14, of Benton Middle School in Manassas.

"That's right," her father said. "We are shutting it down."

Sure enough, they were still going strong just after 10 p.m., when the D.J. announced the night would wrap up with a slow song. Hildebrandt lifted Caleigh, who has spina bifida, from her chair, holding her close for one last father-daughter spin. Across the room, Aaron bent his knees, hunching low. He and Stella danced cheek-to-cheek.

Fox 5 Drops in at Cinderella's Closet

2008-05-19T03:40:00.003-04:00

Check out this great report from Fox 5 News' Matt Ackland that aired Sunday night.

(Thanks to Fox 5 News of Washington, D.C., for giving us permission to use their report on our site.)

Cinderella's Closet 2008 -- Day 1

2008-05-18T22:44:00.018-04:00

Today, The House hosted Day 1 of Cinderella's Closet. The young ladies showed up this afternoon ready to find the perfect dress for the 3rd Annual Cinderella Ball and the shoes and jewelry to match. And the young men were able to pick from dozens of new ties and dress socks donated by corporate friends of The House.

After the ladies found their dresses, women from the community took measurements for alterations. Following their fittings, the ladies made their hair and makeup appointments for the day of the Cinderella Ball.

Potomac News Tells PW Country About 3rd Annual Ball

2008-04-19T22:49:00.000-04:00

The Potomac News today reported our 3rd annual Cinderella Ball. Read it here.

THE HOUSE ANNOUNCES ITS 3RD ANNUAL CINDERELLA BALL

2008-03-27T08:21:00.018-04:00

Ruben Studdard, Kyle Maynard to Headline Event at Willard InterContinental in Washington

The House, Inc., a Virginia-based non-profit organization investing in the lives of Northern Virginia students in 4th-12th grades, is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Cinderella ball for students with disabilities May 31, 2008.

The 3rd Annual Cinderella Ball is a Prom Night designed especially for Middle and High School students with disabilities and will be held at the Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C, Saturday, May 31, at 6:00pm.

This special event will be highlighted with the live presentations from recording artist Ruben Studdard and best-selling author Kyle Maynard.

Ruben Studdard, the 2003 winner of “American Idol” who has gone on to become a successful, award-winning recording artist, will be meeting the guests, signing autographs, and performing a live concert for the students and their families.

Kyle Maynard is an ESPY Award winner and author of the New York Times bestseller No Excuses. Kyle was born a congenital amputee without forearms or legs below the knees but has found the secret to living a full and active life, and he will be sharing his compelling story.

This will be Kyle’s third Cinderella Ball appearance, an event he truly believes in. “Everyone in life has obstacles to overcome,” Kyle said. “If it weren’t for people in my life – my parents, coaches, teachers, and friends – and my faith in God, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s people like those at The House, with their events like the Cinderella Ball, who are making the needed difference in students’ lives.”

Kyle will also present the 3rd Annual “No Excuses” award to a student for accomplishments and determination in overcoming obstacles.

This year's event will be at the Willard InterContinental in Washingson, D.C. "The event site was selected because of the generosity and invitation by the Willard InterContinental Hotel," said The House President Helen McCormick. "The combination of this Five Star location, celebrity entertainment and public support will ensure a lasting memory for our students and their families as we face tomorrow today."

"We are seeking help in heightening the public awareness and invitation to join the work to improve the lives of student," McCormick added. "We ask poeple's assistance in collecting formal dresses of all sizes and accessories that provide the finishing touch to the Cinderella Ball. Our young men will receive shoe shines from our military's finest. In addition, gifts of socks and silk ties are being donated. We provide the free gift of dresses, hair and makeup appointment, shoes, jewelry, ties and other finishing touches to our student guests."

The entire event is free to students, but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Individuals and corporations wanting to support the Cinderella Ball are welcome to call 703-928-1402 or 571-237-5860 for more information.

The House, Inc., A Student Leadership Center for students in Woodbridge, conducts before-school, after-school and weekend leadership programs for at-risk students in grades 4-12. For more information, please visit www.thehouse-inc.com.

The House, Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible.

Official Flyer for 3rd Annual Cinderella Ball

2008-03-27T08:20:00.000-04:00

Click the image above for a larger version.

House Students Visit Paige Hemmis and Extreme Makeover Team in Port Deposit, Md.

2007-10-23T21:31:00.000-04:00

At the last Cinderella Ball, the students and staff of The House were excited to meet Paige Hemmis of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Little did we know what a wonderful friend Paige would become. She frequently checks up on us to find out what's happening and makes sure to tell others about her experience at The House's Cinderella Ball.

On October 20 and 21, students from The House were invited to make the trek to Point Deposit, Md., to join Paige and the Extreme Makeover crew as they worked on their latest project. They got some great looks at how the show comes together and met some great people who love helping others.

Below are a link to a great Baltimore Sun piece on the Extreme Makeover project, a news piece in which one of our students was interviews and several photos from the students' trip to experience some of the behind-the-scenes action and to witness the unveiling.

Pretty cool stuff.

From the Baltimore Sun:

Show to Make Over Home in Port Deposit

The horses neighed nervously as cameramen and sound guys scurried among them, but somehow an animal was singled out, harnessed and mounted - by Ty Pennington himself. For once, though, the spiky-haired, muscle-bound star of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was not clutching his trademark microphone, which he uses to bellow orders and inspiration. He needed both hands to hold on as his bewildered steed trotted and the cameras rolled, capturing footage of this Port Deposit horse ranch in the midst of a metamorphosis. (Read more)

Here's the news video where you can watch one of our House Students, Brianna Little, interviewed about the Extreme Makeover project.

Here are a few pics of our kids hanging out with Paige and the Extreme Makeover Design Team.

Potomac News: Going to the Ball

2007-06-08T08:45:00.000-04:00

Thank you, Josh Eiserike, for your great coverage of the 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball.

Read the whole story here.

Going to the ball
The House hosts second annual prom for students with disabilities

By Josh Eiserike

jeiserike@potomacnews.com

Friday, June 8, 2007

Stacie Dunn has been looking forward to the second annual Cinderella Ball all year.

The Cinderella Ball, held at The House Inc. in Woodbridge, is a free prom for students with disabilities. Everything - from the donated dresses to the dinner and dancing - is free, due to donations from local philanthropists and volunteers.

The House, a nonprofit tutoring and mentoring program for teenagers, has been in operation since November 2005.

On the dance floor, Stacie is beaming from her wheelchair as her parents, Bob and Debbie, look on.

Stacie, 19, of Woodbridge has bad knees, Down’s syndrome and pulmonary hypertension. She’s hooked up to an oxygen machine in the back of her wheelchair.

“It’s not difficult,” said her father, Bob Dunn, 49, a Marine. “You deal with what you have to deal with.”

He added that there are lots of rewards, such as just seeing his daughter at a dance.

“The small things that don’t mean a lot to parents mean a lot to the parents that are here,” said Dunn, adding that Stacie, an 11th-grader at Potomac High School, had friends and schoolmates in attendance.

When asked what she liked best, Stacie smiles and lists all the friends she saw.

“Just look around,” said her mother, Debbie Dunn. “Look at how much fun these kids are having.”

***

When the guests arrive, they stood in line to get their picture taken with special guests Kyle Maynard and Paige Hemmis. Maynard was born with a rare disorder called Congenital Amputation, which means his only major joints are his neck and shoulders. He’s also a motivational speaker and champion wrestler - he wrote a book “No Excuses” and won an ESPN ESPY Award.

“I was here last year,” said Maynard, 21, a part-time speaker and a part-time student at the University of Georgia. “It blew me away. It was something I wanted to do again. … It was one of the most special things I’ve ever been a part of.”

Keep reading...

Let's Dance!!!!!

2007-06-01T23:45:00.000-04:00

Paige and Kyle Sign Autographs, All Guests Receive Kyle's Inspirational Book, "No Excuses"

2007-06-01T23:22:00.000-04:00

Paige and Kyle stayed for hours after the banquet and dance to make sure every student and sponsor (and U.S. Marine) received an autographed photo and book.

Thank you, Regnery Publishing (owned by Eagle Publishing), for again donating copies of Kyle's book, No Excuses, for all the students. We know they will be treasured.

Banquet Time

2007-06-01T23:19:00.000-04:00

A Few of Our Guests and Their Families and Friends

2007-06-01T23:08:00.000-04:00

Our Guests Arrive!

2007-06-01T22:52:00.000-04:00

VIP Reception

2007-06-01T22:43:00.000-04:00

Before the event, The House hosted a VIP reception for business and community leaders who have been vital supporters of the House.

The VIPs were greeted by our special guests, Paige Hemmis and Kyle Maynard, and Redskins Hall-of-Famer Charlie Taylor.

We would like to extend an extra-special thanks to the U.S. Marine Corps, ServPro and Cici's Pizza.

House Kids Ready to Welcome Our Guests

2007-06-01T22:21:00.000-04:00

Many of our House students were hosts and hostesses for the evening.

A Little Decor. . .

2007-06-01T22:12:00.000-04:00

Hair & Makeup Time

2007-06-01T21:54:00.000-04:00

Several women from the community donated their time and resources to do the hair and makeup of the young ladies who would be attending the ball.

Here are a few photos:

Preparing for the Big Event

2007-06-01T21:29:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this day possible. Here are a few pics from this morning's preparation.

Here's What's Happening in Mere Hours

2007-05-31T23:10:00.000-04:00

Setting Up the Dance Tent for Tomorrow's Ball

2007-05-31T12:34:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures of the crew setting up the tent for the 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball.

Thanks, Redskins All Stars, for helping to make this possible.

Gov. Kaine Again Lauds 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball, Praises The House's Mentoring Programs

2007-05-29T09:43:00.000-04:00

Exciting News!

Gov. Tim Kaine has again praised The House's efforts to help Virginia students through the Cinderella Ball and our mentoring programs.

Here's the letter (click on it for a full version). The text of the letter is also printed below.

Dear Friends:

On behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia I send warm greetings to the organizers and attendees of the second annual Cinderella Ball hosted by The House, Inc.

I commend The House for your hard work and commitment to once again holding this year’s Cinderella Ball and I am confident that the Ball will be a huge success. Over the past year, the reputation of this event has grown and I am very pleased that some very special guests have been able to join you this evening. While I am not able to join you, please know that you have my support and I wish you all the very best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

When I served as the Chairperson of the Disability Commission, I learned so much about the needs and abilities of Virginians with disabilities and how government can best respond to them. One of the greatest lessons I learned was that persons with disabilities most often have the same needs and desires of any citizen. The Cinderella Ball offers many youngsters the opportunity to get dressed up and have a special evening.

I am also pleased to see the continuing impact of the mentoring offered by The House. By offering mentoring opportunities and matching youngsters with positive role models, you are assuring that these young students can stay on the right path and, eventually, help others. As a direct result of what you do at The House, your students develop independent skills and will one day serve as a positive role model for someone else.

Again, congratulations on hosting such a worthwhile event and best wishes for continued success.

Sincerely,

Timothy M. Kaine

Cinderella's Closet -- Week 2

2007-05-27T20:02:00.000-04:00

Today, The House hosted the second round of Cinderella's Closet at the Crown Court facility. Several more young men and women came to get their special clothes for the 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball.

Below are a few photos from today's fittings. And check out our first day of fittings here.

First Day of Cinderella's Closet Covered in Potomac News

2007-05-22T02:15:00.000-04:00

Check out this great coverage of The House's Cinderella Ball preparations from Monday's Potomac News.

-------------------------

Teens pick dance clothes

By AMANDA STEWART

astewart@potomacnews.com

Monday, May 21, 2007

When Cari Cockrell walked into The House in Woodbridge, she knew what she was looking for.

Cari, 13, quickly pulled a red sparkly dress off a rack and walked into the dressing area.

Emerging a few minutes later, she twirled in her red dress for a crowd of onlookers.

"So pretty," her mother, Kim Cockrell said.

Cari and her friend Kelly Erickson, 15, were preparing for their first dance, the Cinderella Ball, sponsored by The House, a nonprofit tutoring and mentoring program in Woodbridge.

The dance is designed specifically for middle and high school students with disabilities.

For teens like Cari and Kelly, who attend Bull Run Middle School near Haymarket, the dance offers a chance to interact with their peers, Kim Cockrell said.

"They've been to a couple of school dances, but they usually end up standing in the back all night and don't do anything," Cockrell said. "This is a good chance for them to go and have fun with their peers and people from their class."

A few students from Cari's class may attend a typical school dance, but many more of them will attend the Cinderella Ball, Cockrell said.

This is the second year that The House has sponsored the Cinderella Ball.

"Last year the response was just phenomenal," said Helen McCormick, president of The House-Incorporated. "People have been calling literally since January to ask if we were doing this again."

This year, The House invited 200 students from Prince William County and the surrounding area. The dance, on June 1, will include a catered dinner inside The House, a renovated warehouse near B.J's Wholesale Club in Woodbridge. The dance will be outside, in a large event tent donated by the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation.

More than 100 volunteers have signed up to help on the night of the dance, she said.

The dance is still a little less than two weeks away, but the guests were already excited as they picked out dresses, shoes, necklaces, bracelets and other accessories, all donated by local stores and residents. Boys got to choose from racks of donated ties. Some also got a little help figuring out how to tie them.

"My dad knows how to do this, but I don't," said James Solis, 17, after a volunteer helped him pick out a red striped tie.

James and his friend, Terry Norman, 17, said they were excited to attend their first dance.

"I'm excited. It's my first big dance away from school. It will be fun," James said.

Closer to the big day, the students will return to The House to get their hair and makeup done and to get shoes shined.

The dance is fun for the students, but it means even more to their parents, McCormick said.

"Last year, a dad came up to me and said 'I never thought I'd dance with my daughter, and you gave me that chance.' It just touches your heart," she said.

Read the whole thing here.

Cinderella's Closet -- Week 1

2007-05-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

The House hosted the first day of Cinderella's Closet on Sunday, May 20. The young women arrived in the afternoon excited for their appointment to find the perfect dress for the 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball and the shoes and jewelry to match. And the young men were able to pick from dozens of new ties donated by corporate friends of The House.

After the ladies found their dresses, ladies from the community were on hand to take measurements for any alterations were required. Following their fittings, the ladies made their hair and makeup appointments for the day of the Cinderella Ball. The men could make appointments to have their shoes shined.

Here are a few pictures from the great first day of Cinderella's Closet.

Setting Up Cinderella's Closet

2007-05-19T23:02:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow we open Cinderella's Closet for our guests for the Cinderella Ball. The young ladies and gentlemen can come in, pick their dresses or ties, and get a fitting.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Cinderella's Closet possible. Here are a few photos before our guests show up tomorrow. (Click on the pictures to see larger versions.)

Thank You, Redskins All Stars!

2007-05-10T21:28:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the Redskins All Stars, the cost of the dance tent and other expenses for the Cinderella Ball are now covered.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

'Redskins All Stars' Teams With The House for the 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball

2007-04-26T06:51:00.000-04:00

The Washington Redskins announced yesterday that they will be teaming with The House in its efforts to reach more students for the 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball.

In a press release Wednesday, April 25, the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation said that as part of this year's Redskins All Stars "300 area youth will be recognized for their hard work, dedication, and community spirit at the 7th annual Redskins All Stars Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 4, at FedEx Field."

Members of the team will be joining the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and the Freddie Mac Foundation in the presentation of grants to top D.C.-area nonprofit organizations.

The Redskins All Stars program, an initiative of the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, recognizes and encourages community service and teamwork among area youth. Groups of children between the ages of 5 and 18, along with their youth leaders, coaches, teachers and parents, are eligible to participate in the program.

According to the foundation, the nonprofit organizations being honored were selected from hundreds of area organizations. The organizations receiving grants demonstrated creativity, uniqueness, and the spirit of community service.

The House is honored and humbled to receive the Redskins All Stars grant from the foundation for this year's Cinderella Ball. Last year, 100 youth created an evening for students with disabilities and their families. The night was dubbed "A Cinderella Ball," and it enabled many students who could not participate in their school social activities a night to be honored and celebrated. The grant money will be used to double the amount of youth that are able to attend the event.

ABC's Paige Hemmis to Be Special Guest for 2nd Annual House Cinderella Ball

2007-04-21T17:47:00.000-04:00

The House is excited to announce that Paige Hemmis, design team member from ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," will be a special guest and speaker at this year's Cinderella Ball.

Paige Hemmis may be an unlikely vision on a construction site, however she is an accomplished carpenter and skilled homebuilder. This self-taught carpenter, dynamic and confident Wisconsin-born entrepreneur honed her skills as co-founder of Rent to Own Investments, buying and renovating houses and developing innovative rent-to-own solutions for tenants who cannot afford the down payment usually required to purchase.

Paige grew up in Chatsworth, Calif., with aspirations ranging from teacher to doctor to world traveler to wedding planner to building her dream house. She's had the good fortune to experience many of the careers of her childhood dreams. During college, Paige fulfilled her teaching penchant by teaching first aid and CPR to the University of California Santa Barbara student population. She became a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and pursued a medical internship in Virginia for a year after graduating with her Theology and Psychology degrees from UCSB. When she accepted an International Sales Manager position for Iwerks Entertainment, she satiated her travel curiosity by serving territories throughout Asia, Australia and the U.S.

A true entrepreneur, Paige pursued substitute teaching while developing contacts in the wedding industry. She launched Simply Elegant Weddings in 2001 and continues to assist couples with planning the most important day of their lives. The natural progression of helping couples led to helping families secure their first homes. Without deep pockets, Paige used her tenacity and resourcefulness to learn all aspects of construction, including drywall, cabinetry, electrical and plumbing. She quickly became a fan of home remodeling shows and began to pursue opportunities to participate as a guest carpenter. She appeared on "Monster House," where she was discovered by the producers of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Paige considers her role on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" a blessing and feels extremely fortunate to make her living helping others. In between extreme makeovers, she has been working with Hollywood For Habitat For Humanity, leading all-women crews and making personal appearances to bring attention to the organization. In 2005, Paige launched Tuff Chix -- a collection of clothing and accessories for girls and women who believe in being strong, capable and feminine.

The House is thrilled that Paige has decided to join us in for the 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball.

Dylan Reminds Us Why the Cinderella Ball Is So Important

2007-04-21T17:22:00.000-04:00

Volunteers,

You heard Dylan's story tonight at our organizational meeting in the letter Helen read from Dylan's dad.

In case you needed another reminder of why we're doing what we're doing, here's Dylan and his sister.

Smiles don't get much bigger.

Volunteer Meeting for 2007 Ball

2007-03-27T07:33:00.000-04:00

Volunteers,

We'll be meeting at The House at 5:00 pm on Saturday, April 21. We appreciate all you do and look forward working with you again to prepare for this very special event.

Kyle Maynard Booked for 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball

2007-02-17T15:47:00.000-04:00

The House is pleased to announce that Kyle Maynard will be attending the 2nd Annual Cinderella Ball, presented by The House.

Kyle was the keynote speaker for last year's inaugural Cinderella Ball and was a inspirational hit for students and parents.

We are also pleased to announce that Regnery Publishing has donated copies of Kyle's book, No Excuses, for every attendee again this year.

For more on Kyle and his amazing story, check out this report from the 1st Annual Cinderella Ball.

2nd Annual Cinderella Ball Set for June 1, 2007

2007-02-15T01:18:00.000-04:00

The 2nd annual Cinderella Ball will take place at The House on Friday, June 1.

We're anticipating another incredible night. Remember last year?

Check Out the 2006 Cinderella Ball Highlight Video

2006-07-15T00:06:00.000-04:00

The full, one-hour video of the Cinderella Ball is available for purchase now. Click here to purchase the full-length version.

Check out the highlight video:

Official Cinderella Ball Photos

2006-06-25T20:00:00.000-04:00

You can order your Cinderella Ball pictures here:

The 1st Annual Cinderella Ball: Friday, June 2, 2006

2006-06-03T08:52:00.000-04:00

Just a few pics from the event. It went even better than we had planned. More photos to come.

Prep Time Friday for The Cinderella Ball

2006-06-03T08:03:00.000-04:00

A few photos of a few of members of our volunteer team preparing for the big night, including the ladies who donated their time and resources to do hair and make-up for any of the girls who wanted it done, those who prepared the banquet and dancing rooms, and the red-carpet reception area.

Great Potomac News Coverage of the Cinderella Ball Preparations

2006-05-27T12:06:00.000-04:00

The Potomac News has another great article about The House today. This time they tell the story of our preparing for the Cinderella Ball.

Celebrating Dreams
Ball lets area teens be Cinderella for a night

By Josh Eiserike

Saturday, May 27, 2006

When Terry Brown-Zapata picked up her daughter, Jessyca Brown, from an after school program a few years ago, the elementary school student was crying because the other girls wouldn't include her in a game of jump rope.

"Mom, I know I can't jump, but I can turn the rope," she said.

Jessyca was born with spina bifida, a birth defect in her spinal cord, and hydrocephalus, an abnormal accumulation of spinal fluid inside the brain. Now 16, Jessyca will never walk.

"For her, it's normal," said Brown-Zapata, 45. "She's very outgoing and talkative. I've only heard her say once 'I wish I wasn't in a wheelchair.' "

Brown-Zapata added that her daughter, who attends Freedom High School in Woodbridge, looks at things she can do, not the things she can't.

"A lot of people miss that with disabled children," said Brown-Zapata.

One thing Jessyca will be able to do is go to a prom, specialized for students with disabilities, thanks to The House in Woodbridge. The non-profit tutoring and mentoring program for teenagers has been in operation since last November.

More...

Click on the images below to read the coverage from the Potomac News.

Governor Kaine's Letter to The House

2006-05-25T15:50:00.000-04:00

May 25, 2006

Dear Friends:

On behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am pleased to extend warm greetings to everyone attending the Cinderella Ball hosted by The House.

I would like to recognize The House for organizing this event for middle and high school students. The House has demonstrated that an after-school leadership program can have a major influence in the lives of young people. By promoting positive relationships in a mentoring environment, you are preparing the young citizens of the Commonwealth for a life of community involvement.

I am pleased to commend all the attendees and their families for their support of The House. You have confronted live's challenges with integrity and optimism and you should be proud of your success.

Best wishes for a memorable and successful event.

Sincerely,

Timothy M. Kaine

George Mason's Coach Jim Larranaga To Join Kyle Maynard at the Cinderella Ball

2006-05-22T16:29:00.000-04:00

The House, a Virginia-based non-profit organization dedicated to investing in the lives of D.C.-area Middle and High School students, is pleased to announce a special event for students with disabilities on June 2.

The Cinderella Ball is a Prom Night designed especially for Middle and High School students with disabilities and will be held at The House in Woodbridge, Va, on Friday night, June 2, at 6:30pm.

This special event will be highlighted with live presentations from Kyle Maynard and George Mason men's basketball head coach Jim Larranaga.

Kyle Maynard, a congenital amputee, was born in 1986 with only three joints: a neck and two shoulders. Without forearms or legs below the knees, he stands just over three feet tall. Yet he has found the secret to living a full and active life.

Kyle has been featured on Oprah Winfrey and Larry King Live, sharing his compelling story that encourages students and adults alike.

Determined to succeed in school and athletics, Kyle is an excellent student-athlete who became one of the top high school wrestlers in the state of Georgia, and is now wrestling at the University of Georgia. He has participated in many other sports, including swimming, baseball, street hockey, and football, all without the aide of prosthetics. In 2005, he broke the world record in the modified bench press. He also won a 2004 ESPY Award and is a recipient of the President’s Award for the Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. But it is his approach to life that is truly impressive. His story inspires and motivates, and his personality is endearing to all who hear him.

Upon hearing about The Cinderella Ball, Kyle told the founders of The House: “Everyone in life has obstacles to overcome. If it weren’t for people in my life – my parents, coaches, teachers and friends – and my faith in God, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s people like those at The House, with their events like The Cinderella Ball, who are making the needed difference in students’ lives.”

Coach Larranaga led the George Mason Patriots to through a magical season this year that culminated in an appearance in the NCAA Final Four. In only nine seasons, Larranaga turned around a men’s basketball program that was in shambles and took them to national prominence in March when the country took notice of a team making an improbable run through the national tournament, getting their first four NCAA tournament wins in GMU history.

Larranaga, who was recently honored with a three-year contract extension and described as “the most successful coach in Colonial Athletic Association history” by the Washington Post, agreed to speak to the students and their families at The House’s Cinderella Ball.

Students who attend The Cinderella Ball will experience a catered banquet with food provided by The Olive Garden and a dance hosted by a professional DJ.

Gowns for the ladies are being provided by families and companies in the Woodbridge area, and fittings will be available for all. The men will receive a free tie from S&K Men’s Warehouse.

Parents of attendees will be hosted at a special reception, with food provided by Cici’s Pizza.

All students will also receive a free copy of Kyle Maynard’s book No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life.

The entire event is free to students, but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Just call 571-237-5860.

If you, your company, or someone you know would like to get involved in supporting The Cinderella Ball, opportunities are available. The House is still accepting corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and ladies’ dresses, as well as volunteers for the event. For more information, call 571-237-5860.

To learn more about everything The House is doing and how you can be a part, log on to www.TheHouse-Inc.com or call 571-237-5860.

The House is a not-for-profit, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization located at 14000 Crown Court in Woodbridge, Va.

Coach Larranaga Coming to Cinderella Ball, Too

2006-05-22T15:11:00.000-04:00

George Mason Coach Jim Larranaga has also agreed to come speak at the Cinderella Ball.

Kyle Maynard to Be Keynote Speaker at Cinderella Ball -- A Night for Middle and High School Students With Disabilities

2006-05-12T18:05:00.000-04:00

The Cinderella Ball is a Prom Night designed especially for Middle and High School students with disabilities and will be held at The House in Woodbridge, Va, on Friday night, June 2, at 6:30pm.

This special event will be highlighted with a live presentation from Kyle Maynard.

Kyle, a congenital amputee, was born in 1986 with only three joints: a neck and two shoulders. Without forearms or legs below the knees, he stands just over three feet tall. Yet he has found the secret to living a full and active life.

Kyle has been featured on Oprah Winfrey and Larry King Live, sharing his compelling story that encourages students and adults alike.

Determined to succeed in school and athletics, Kyle is an excellent student-athlete who became one of the top high school wrestlers in the state of Georgia, and is now wrestling at the University of Georgia. He has participated in many other sports, including swimming, baseball, street hockey, and football, all without the aide of prosthetics. In 2005, he broke the world record in the modified bench press. He also won a 2004 ESPY Award and is a recipient of the President’s Award for the Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. But it is his approach to life that is truly impressive. His story inspires and motivates, and his personality is endearing to all who hear him.

Upon hearing about The Cinderella Ball, Kyle told the founders of The House: “Everyone in life has obstacles to overcome. If it weren’t for people in my life – my parents, coaches, teachers and friends – and my faith in God, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s people like those at The House, with their events like The Cinderella Ball, who are making the needed difference in students’ lives.”

Students who attend the Cinderella Ball will experience a catered banquet with food provided by The Olive Garden and a dance hosted by a professional DJ.

Gowns for the ladies are being provided by families and companies in the Woodbridge area, and fittings will be available for all. The men will receive a free tie from S&K Men’s Warehouse.

Parents of attendees will be hosted at a special reception, with food provided by Cici’s Pizza.

All students will also receive a free copy of Kyle Maynard’s book No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life.

The entire event is free to students, but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Just call 571-237-5860.

If you, your company, or someone you know would like to get involved in supporting The Cinderella Ball, opportunities are available. The House is still accepting corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and ladies’ dresses, as well as volunteers for the event. For more information, call 571-237-5860.

To learn more about everything The House is doing and how you can be a part, log on to http://www.thehouse-inc.com/ or call 571-237-5860.

The House is a not-for-profit, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization located at 14000 Crown Court in Woodbridge, Va.

We Got Kyle Maynard

2006-05-12T15:58:00.000-04:00

Kyle Maynard has agreed to be our keynote speaker for the Cinderella Ball.

Cinderella Ball Pledge Cards

2006-04-10T17:27:00.000-04:00

Here are the cards for invididuals or corporations who want to be a vital financial part of the Cinderella Ball

Information You Need for the Cinderella Ball

2006-04-08T14:38:00.000-04:00

The Cinderella Ball is a Prom Night designed especially for Middle and High School students with disabilities and will be held at The House in Woodbridge, Va, on Friday night, June 2, at 6:30pm.

The entire event is free to students, but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Just call 571-237-5860.

To learn more about everything The House is doing and how you can be a part, log on to http://www.thehouse-inc.com/ or call 571-237-5860.

The House is a not-for-profit, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization located at 14000 Crown Court in Woodbridge, Va.

The Cinderella Ball Coming Together

2006-04-07T19:39:00.000-04:00

We're set for June 2, at 6:30pm at The House. More to come...

A Cinderella Ball in the Works

2006-04-02T15:18:00.000-04:00

We are planning A Cinderella Ball for Middle and High School students with disabilites. The target date is June 2, 2006.

It's going to be great. More details to come.