by Katie Orlando

Nadine Marino is on a mission to make over more than 200 faces before June 4.

The Mary Kay representative is vying for $5,000 to donate to The Sandbox, a Charlotte-based organization that supports families of children with cancer or other life-altering illnesses.

Beauty consultants across the country are making over women who could win a shopping spree and a $5,000 donation to a charity. The consultant who performs the most makeovers for the contest will also win $5,000 to donate.

Marino asked FiFi’s customers to donate gently used purses, shoes and jewelry to help create a magical night for Sandbox teenage girls.

The Sandbox is getting ready for its Sept. 28 prom,  “An Evening of Believing,” for 13- to 21-year-olds battling cancer and other illnesses. The organization will provide prom-goers with dresses and tuxedoes, hair and makeup, limousine transportation and red carpet arrival.

Marino said the girls make appointments to pick out donated dresses, which seamstresses alter and fit to the individual. Men’s Warehouse has donated tuxedoes.

Marino has organized 70 Mary Kay representatives to do prom makeup at the Aveda Institute in Charlotte.

“It’s so easy from the makeup standpoint,” Marino said. “You put on some makeup, and they put on that dress, and they feel like a princess for an evening.”

Sandbox co-founder Mara Campolungo said the organization is planning a Girls Night Out on June 7 at Founders Hall. Women can enjoy free champagne if they donate gently used handbags, shoes and jewelry.

The Sandbox serves families all over the Charlotte area.

“Outside of the prom, we work with families on a daily basis with children suffering from life-altering illnesses,” Campolungo said.

Want to go?

Upcoming events supporting The Sandbox’s “An Evening of Believing” include:

• Girl’s Night Out, Aria’s Champagne Lounge, 100 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, June 7, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Complimentary reception. Guests are asked to donate new or gently used accessories, purses or shoes.

• Simplified benefit concert, the Saloon at NC Music Factory, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., June 21, 6:30 p.m. $10 donation requested.