| The "Wish Upon A Star Project" has been in the back of Laurie Eccles mind for over 4 years. She heard about the "Cinderella Project", while traveling in the States. With a teenage daughter of her own, she realized there are a lot of young ladies who don't quite have the confidence or self esteem, let alone the financial capabilities to attend their prom or graduation. The Prom is not just a dance; it is a milestone, an exit from childhood and entrance into adulthood. After mentioning the idea to a few good friends, Cindy Cross and Marianne Kelly, "Wish Upon A Star Project" was born.
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Laurie's background is in the image field. She is a Professional Make-up Artist, Certified Color Consultant and a Personal Image trainer. Since 1989, she has trained extensively with a team of image experts: "The Crowning Touch", based out of California. She also has extensive training in the fitness and nutrition industry giving her holistic approach to beauty.
She is a mother of 4 great children, 3 grown boys, and a teenage daughter. She has owned her own business for over 10 years. She has run many different courses and workshops for both women and men for personal and professional development. A passion of hers has always been to do more work with teenagers. Everyone has their own unique style: it has nothing to do with beauty or age. It is ageless and it is an attitude of the mind.
Laurie believes that confidence and self esteem starts from within. That it is a process, that does not come together overnight, or in a week---simply----it is learning to be the best you!
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Cindy's background is quite diverse. She was born in Cold Lake, Alberta on an Air Force Base and has lived in most provinces throughout her school years, attending 13 different schools as moves required.
She has been married for 21 years, a mother of 2 teenage daughters, stepmother of 2 girls and step grandmother of 2 girls! Cindy was a caterer for many years before she opened her own office services/bookkeeping business.
Cindy has been involved in many different volunteer positions: Chairperson of both Fun Fair and Fund raising for school council, arranged for advertising for school yearbook and has also served on the graduation committee. She has also worked with her church musical production, sewing costumes. Cindy is a brown belt in Karate, where she also helped organize several tournaments. All of which makes for a great team member.
Cindy believes that helping to build self–esteem can make the difference in a young person's path in life.
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Marianne was born and raised in Peterborough. She comes from a close knit family with eleven siblings and two wonderful parents. She attended both elementary and secondary schools in Peterborough, and then traveled to Calgary Alberta, where she attended Marvel, a School for Hair design.
Marianne has enjoyed staying at home and raising her family with her husband Hugh. They have a son and twin sixteen year old girls.
Marianne is actively involved with volunteering in her daughter's school.
Marianne believes that the Wish Upon A Star project will benefit many youth.
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LeeAnna grew up in mining towns of Northern Ontario. She has an 8 year old son and is very active in his school. She works in the retirement field and believes that you should give back to your community.
LeeAnna believes that self esteem and self-confidence can help a person face any challenge that may lay ahead of them.
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Patricia was born and raised in Toronto, moved to Peterborough with her two wonderful daughters in the year 2000. Patricia's ties to Peterborough were established many years ago through a family cottage on Lake Chemong. The cottage, filled with many happy memories has since been sold, but the foundations on which the memories have been created are solid, and as the family has expanded, so has the treasure trove of memories.
Patricia is on the Parent Teacher Advisory committee at her daughter's school, and regularly volunteers for numerous charitable endeavors.
Even as a child, Patricia had an interest in the well being of other children, attempting to solicit her mothers services to adopt children from needy homes to add to their already large family, with the promise that she would be responsible for their care. It was important to her even then, that the love and support, along with the opportunities that would help them to be the best that they could be, enveloped children.
Patricia is a great believer in the Wish Upon a Star Project as a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to step out into the next leg of their journey generating enthusiasm and pride wherever they go.
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After reading a newspaper article about the launch of Wish Upon A Star in Peterborough, I immediately thought that it was something I would be interested in.
I called Laurie to learn more and knew then that I would like to contribute by doing alterations and repairs if needed for the formal wear. As the planning went along I also decided to make a personalized gift bag for each girl attending the gala, and a throw for a door prize.
The first year was very enjoyable and it is a pleasure to be part of an organization which assists young people.
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When I retired a year and a-half ago I started planning the next chapter in my life. I knew I wanted to volunteer but wasn't sure what it would be. Then, last January (2005), I read with great interest an article in the Peterborough Examiner about Wish Upon a Star which was just starting up. I know how important it is for graduates to go to their high school prom as I wasn't fortunate enough to attend and how much I wish I had. Here was my chance to help make dreams come true for those who are in the same situation as I was. Having worked as an administrative/executive assistant in the private and public sectors for over 35 years I felt that I could put my organizational, creative and interpersonal skills to good use.
I am delighted to be part of Wish Upon a Star. Seeing the excitement and joy on the faces of these young people at the Gala last year confirmed that this is where I want to be and I look forward to this year's Gala.
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