ABOUT US
The Bella Project promotes self-confidence, individual beauty and diversity by providing new and virtually new prom dresses and accessories free of charge to underprivileged high school women in Hawaii. The organization carries out its mission utilizing the support of volunteers, individual donors and corporate partners in the community. Volunteers collect donations of dresses, shoes, jewelry and accessories throughout the year via donation drives and organize them for a giveaway event located centrally in Honolulu in the early spring. The organization is funded through fundraising events, individual and corporate donations, and in-kind contributions. All activities conducted by the organization, including donation drives, fundraising events and the giveaway event, are 100% dedicated to the charitable purpose of making prom affordable for every high school woman in Hawaii.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The Bella Project is to make prom affordable for every high school woman by collecting formal dresses and accessories and providing them free of charge to those unable to purchase their own prom attire. The Bella Project promotes self-confidence, individual beauty and diversity among teenage women in Hawaii and provides a fun, respectful atmosphere for our volunteers and the students we serve.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Bella Project is led by its Founder and Executive Director, Amanda Ross, and a Board of Directors who are focused on achieving the goals and carrying out the mission of the organization.
- Jackie Messinger, Chair
- Shana Peete, Vice Chair
- Yumi Manzuko, Treasurer
- Merrissa Uchimura, Secretary
ACCOUNTABILITY
Accountability, trust and transparency are paramount to the values of The Bella Project. Rest assured that your donation is safe and will be used to ensure that "Every Bella Deserves a Beautiful Prom" is not just a tag line, but a mantra. Stewardship of funds is a primary objective of the organization's leaders.
CONTACT US
The Bella Project is a non-profit organization that is supported entirely by volunteers and funded through individual and corporate donations. As we have no paid staff, please be patient as we respond to email and phone inquiries.
Mail The Bella Projectc/o Amanda Ross
PO Box 195
Honolulu, Hawaii 96810
NEWSLETTER
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FAQ
What does “bella” mean?
“Bella” translates into the word “beautiful” in many languages. People in today’s society think of beauty as what they see in magazines or on television, but what makes a person truly beautiful lies much deeper within the person. Whether it’s through creativity, intelligence, compassion or grace, there is beauty within every one of us. The Bella Project wants every high school woman to recognize the beauty within herself and to truly feel beautiful on her prom day and every day thereafter.
For Bellas
Where and when can I get a dress from The Bella Project?
The Bella Project distributes the dresses and accessories it receives through the Bella Boutique. The boutique is held in the early spring (i.e. March or April) in Honolulu in preparation for the prom season. More information, including date, time and location, can be found on the Want A Dress page. To receive updated information about the Bella Boutique, please sign up here for our newsletter.
Who is eligible to receive a dress from The Bella Project?
Any woman currently enrolled in a high school in Hawaii is eligible to attend the Bella Boutique. Although we do not require proof of financial need, students must present a valid school I.D. or other proof of current enrollment. Please visit the Want a Dress page for bella guidelines.
Are the dresses and related accessories really free?
Yes! The Bella Project provides its bellas with dresses and accessories free of charge.
For Donors
Can I make a cash donation to The Bella Project?
Yes! The Bella Project is a volunteer-based organization and relies heavily on donations from the public to fund its operations. You may donate online or make a check payable to The Bella Project and mail to:
The Bella Projectc/o Amanda Ross
PO Box 195
Honolulu, Hawaii 96810
Your generosity is greatly appreciated! You will receive a thank you letter shortly after making your donation acknowledging receipt of your contribution. Please keep this letter for you tax records.
What will my cash donation be used for?
Cash donations will be used to fund the operations of The Bella Project, including:
- Purchasing racks and supplies for the Bella Boutique;
- Renting space for the Bella Boutique;
- Purchasing dresses sizes 0-2 and 16+ to make up for shortfalls in donations; and
- Publicity materials.
What clothing donations are suitable for The Bella Project?
The Bella Project accepts new or virtually new formal gowns, shoes, and accessories, as well as unopened make-up and skincare items. Accessories include jewelry, purses, gloves, and/or wraps. Donations must be in EXCELLENT condition and appropriate for high school girls to wear to prom. Please review our Donation Guidelines for more information.
How can I donate clothing to The Bella Project?
The Bella Project will be collecting donations via dress drives throughout the community. Please visit our Donations page for more information about dress drives and drop off locations.
If you are interested in organizing a dress drive to support The Bella Project, please contact us at thebellaproject@yahoo.com.
If you represent a business interested in making a large in-kind donation of dresses and/or accessories, please contact us at thebellaproject@yahoo.com.
How can my business help The Bella Project?
The Bella Project relies heavily on the generosity of businesses in the community to carry out its operations. We consistently need assistance with the following:
- Space for the boutiques;
- Retail clothing supplies, such as dress racks, hangers, plastic garment bags, and shopping bags;
- Raffle prizes to give away to the bellas at the Bella Boutique; and
- Salon services, such as hair and makeup, to provide to the students.
For Volunteers
What can I do as a volunteer for The Bella Project?
The Bella Project’s success depends on its volunteers. We are always looking for volunteers, and there are many ways to support the organization, including working at fundraising events, organizing dress drives, setting up boutiques, and being a personal shopper at the Bella Boutique. Please visit our Volunteer page for more information on volunteer opportunities.
