18/06/2026
Resharing the story from one of our 2025 students who received a Butterfly Effect last year.
We’ve stayed in contact with this young woman offering support, guidance and encouragement when she needed it.
Now a University student studying forensic psychology she is well and truly on her way always knowing she has a village behind her.
When we say every bit of support goes a long way we really mean it. Every donation, every purchase and every attendance at our fundraising events make these moments possible.
With the sincerest gratitude we thank you all for standing beside us to ensure No Child Left Behind.
🦋A message received by a young woman we at The Formal Project Inc and you as a community village have supported.
Please know that each of you makes a big difference in the lives of these kids. We are so grateful for your support ♥️
👠Hey Sam I know you never post about us students but I would really like you to post this as I want the world to know what you did and I really want all the people who paid for my formal to know I’m very grateful.
Can you please post with a photo of a basil plant as I believe it’s my Nanna in heaven who put you in my life. Basil was her favorite. You don’t have to post if you don’t want but I really would like you to. Can you please just copy and paste my text so no one can tell who I am.
Life hasn’t been easy, the abuse at home, the removal from my parents, the realization I’m on my own, HSC exams, moving into independent living and of course the constant chatter of the year 12 formal.
All year I’ve listened to everyone talk about formal, the $100s of dollars Mums and Dads are spending on their kids and me just sitting there thinking in my head I don’t even have a Mum and Dad.
Formal wasn’t an option for me, I wasn’t going, end of story.
Then one night I’m doom scrolling and come across The Formal Project.
In my head I’m thinking no way is this real, has to be a scam but at the same time I’m in your inbox asking for an appointment.
I worked through my anxiety and made it there. You opened that curtain, I looked at you and apologized stating I was in the wrong space. You checked my details and sure enough I was right where I was supposed to be.
That hour was the most loved I have felt since my Nanna passed away. You embraced me like I was your own.
You made me so comfortable I started opening up about all that was going on and you heard me. You didn’t give me a list of services or pass me off, you held me by the shoulders, you looked me straight in the eyes and said what do you need right now, I’m here right now, you are safe, I’ve got you.
I burst into tears and you just held me. We pulled ourselves together and found my dream dress, you matched my shoes, bag and accessories and then you said the community has covered your formal through our butterfly effect. I stared blankly as you explained my formal ticket, my hair, make-up, nails and transport were paid for by the community.
I didn’t understand, you took me to the front and showed me the Butterfly effect wall and explained how community members contribute to paying for all these things, I wasn’t taking anything from anyone else I was the person the community was supporting.
We continued talking and I said I was worried about graduation as no one would be there to cheer me on, without hesitation you offered to be there. I wanted to say yes but instead I said I would be ok.
Graduation day came and a teacher walked up to me with the biggest bunch of flowers and chocolates. I opened the card to read ‘You are not alone, you are loved. From the team at TFP and your community village’.
I messaged you straight away and your simple response ‘we got you kiddo, a whole community has got your back’.
Formal day comes and I get to attend in the fanciest car lead by bikes. Those guys were the best! I felt safe, like I was surrounded by a bunch of proper Dads taking their daughter to formal. They made such a big fuss and I felt like I really deserved to be there.
I had the greatest night and felt so so special. I really appreciate all the people who made it possible as I never thought I would make it.
I also want to thank you for everything you’ve done since. The fancy linen, the two loads of groceries delivered and the consistent checking up on me.
Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone and showing me you and the community mean it.👠