04/16/2023
Check out this wonderful article written about our founder, Marie Santos!
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Kissimmee’s Fairy Godmother-Article
Written by: Adriana Persaud
Marie Santos is an executive assistant working in the AdventHealth Kissimmee Executive Offices. In her personal time, she is the fairy godmother to many Cinderellas in the Osceola community through her organization Bibidi Bobbidi Prom.
Marie’s daughter, Jessica Fernandez, competed in pageants and won Miss Florida Sunshine in 2018 and Miss Palm Beach in 2019. Jessica ended up competing in the Miss America pageant and learned that she can't repeat her evening gowns, so instead of selling them, her and Marie decided to donate the dresses to girls that can’t afford prom dresses. Both Marie and her daughter have always been involved in helping homeless families living on Highway 192 in Kissimmee and thought this could be an exciting way to keep helping the community while making sure girls feel and look beautiful for their proms. Marie’s organization, Bibidi Bobbidi Prom was created shortly after.
When asked about the importance of Bibidi Bobidi Prom for the community and why Marie loves doing it, she responded, “When you look good, you feel good, and your self-esteem is positive and that gives you the confidence to have a better outlook on life!” Marie wants to show these girls that no matter what they are going through now, they can change their lives and make decisions to reach their goals in life. Many of these girls and their families live in motels. They don’t have their own space, can’t afford anything, and they feel ugly because they can’t buy new clothing or makeup. A little positive experience like this can spark the motivation inside them and show them that they can change their lives for the better. When Marie has these events, she discusses topics such as self-respect, studying for better future, and working hard to reach goals.
For two years, Marie has partnered with Johnny from XL 106.7 where he receives thousands of new dresses to donate for proms. He donates to Marie, and she visits the Osceola County high schools and donates these dresses to the girls in the community.
What motivated Marie to keep her organization going every year is seeing the happiness on the girls’ faces and bringing a little sparkle to their lives in their last year of high school.
If you would like to donate to Bibidi Bobbidi Prom, please reach out to Marie Santos via her email [email protected]. Items you can donate are evening gowns, shoes, accessories, and makeup that haven’t been used.
