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The inside of The Temple: A Paul Mitchell Partner School in downtown Frederick, felt more like a castle to the dozens of young girls who gathered there on Saturday.

According to Jessica Ayers, learning leader advisor for the cosmetology school, The Temple started hosting "princess parties" to raise money for charity earlier this year.

For $10 each, girls 12 and younger may come to the "goddess room," on the top floor of the school and have their nails and face painted or get their hair done. Each child also receives a goody bag with costume jewelry, a crown and a wand.

It's "something that you wouldn't usually see as a fundraiser," Ayers said. Staff members got the idea from a princess-themed birthday party that was held at the school. The events have been extremely popular and have drawn as many as 100 girls. Saturday's event raised $550.

According to Heather Brennan, admissions leader and design team leader for the school, The Temple hosts various types of fundraisers year-round. The tips that student stylists raise are also donated to charity. Money raised goes toward organizations such as the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, the Children's Miracle Network and the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation.

"It's kind of ingrained in us that people come first," Brennan said, noting that the entire Paul Mitchell company has a charitable focus.

Having a "girls' day" is "kind of an ageless concept," she said. And since The Temple gets "inundated with requests for little girls' birthday parties," the staff decided to hold the events regularly.

While a princess movie plays in the center of the room — "Pocahontas" and "Cinderella" were screened on Saturday — students from the school who volunteer for the parties man the hair, nail and face-painting stations.

"They just think it's the greatest thing," said Laura Geary as she finished up a maroon-colored manicure. "They get to be a princess ... it makes them feel special."

"It's part of our culture to give back," said Shonte Gilchrist, who spent the day doing hair. She said it felt good to know that she was working to raise money for charitable cause but it was also nice to see the looks on little girls' faces when she finished transforming their basic ponytails into a mane of loose curls or an elegant up-do.

"I don't really get the chance to play with little girls, so it's fun," she said.

"I love to make people feel good," said student Meagan McCormick, who was also doing hair. "Little kids believe in fairy tales still, so they want to be in one ... I would want my daughter to feel that way," she added. Although her daughter is only 16 months old, McCormick is considering bringing her to the events next year, she said.

cpomeroy@gazette.net