Hampton University Students Host Prom for Special Needs Children

Hampton, VA -Project: Dream BIG, in partnership with the Hampton University William R. Harvey Leadership Institute, will host “A Cinderella Ball” on Saturday, May 19 from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. in the Student Center ballroom. Project: Dream BIG is a brainchild of HU students Dominique Steele and Steve Young.

“A Cinderella Ball” is a prom for children with special needs who attend schools in the City of Hampton. Their family and friends will accompany them and more than 150 people are scheduled to attend. Horse-drawn carriages will transport guests across campus where they will dine, have their pictures taken, meet honored guests such as Miss Hampton University RaSheeda Waddell, and enjoy music throughout the night.

Gowns, suits and ties have been donated from people across Hampton Roads, including students, faculty, and staff from HU. Prior to the ball, the young women will be fitted for their gowns, and receive a manicure and new hairstyle. The young men will be fitted for their suits and their shoes shined.

“Many of the children that will be at the event would not have had the opportunity to experience prom if it was not for this ball,” said Steele. “Parents have called in tears, truly excited about having the opportunity to dress up their child and take them to the prom.”

The William R. Harvey Leadership Institute was created in 2000 to further prepare students to make a positive difference in the workplace and community by ethically applying the principles of leadership.

Project: Dream BIG receives assistance from The House, Incorporated, a leadership center for students that is based in northern Virginia. Some of the evening sponsors include Olive Garden of Mercury Boulevard, Daydreamers Florist, Exquisite Affairs, and Old Dominion Carriages, just to name a few. If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring the event, please call Project: Dream BIG at (757) 864-0585 or visit http://www.projectdreambig.org.

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For more information contact Nina Stickles @ (757) 727-5457 or email nina.stickles@hamptonu.edu.

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