PNC Park to Host Prom for Students with Disabilities on Wednesday, May 28

PITTSBURGH - May 27, 2014 - PRLog -- PITTSBURGH, PA – For Life Skills students in nine schools across the region, getting together with local schools is something they look forward to all month. High school students from Baldwin-Whitehall, Belle Vernon, Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Elizabeth Forward, Keystone Oaks, South Allegheny, South Fayette and Sto-Rox, school districts regularly meet to interact for social and educational opportunities. The group is looking forward to meeting for their prom which will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at The Lexus Club at PNC Park.

For the past five years, the schools have included a prom as one of their activities. While encouraged and invited to participate in the high school prom, students with intellectual disabilities often do not have the opportunity to do so. Each year, a new district takes on the task of funding, planning and executing the event. In the past, the prom has taken place in the school’s gym with lunch provided by the cafeteria and entertainment by the staff.

Last year, the prom was reimagined by Elizabeth Forward School District under the advisement of Hello Productions, a local event planning company who they were connected with through one of the district’s administrators. Hello Productions’ Director of Marketing & Events, Colleen Geletko, volunteered her efforts and coordinated some of the region’s most talented vendors who donated their services. Students enjoyed a magical afternoon consisting of the most classic elements of a prom, including a beautiful venue, prom dresses, tuxedos, corsages and boutonnieres, photography, videography and entertainment from a DJ and a magician.

This year, South Fayette School District is hosting the prom. Geletko has been working closely with Special Education Teacher Kara Pappas and Para Educators Leslie Willetts and Nancy Iannarelli to bring in new and exciting aspects for this year’s prom. The prom will be held at the Lexus Club at PNC Park on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. PNC Park was gracious enough to donate the venue and Levy Restaurants and Aramark will donate the catering. Many vendors are returning to donate their services once again, including Dragonfly Florist who is providing boutonnieres and corsages for the students and Josh Mariana Photography who will provide photography and videography services and a photo booth.

Prior to the prom, female students visited Allegheny County’s Project Prom store and selected dresses, shoes and accessories, while male students are being provided suits from staff and students at the districts. South Fayette boy’s tuxedos were donated by American Commodore Tuxedo in Robinson. South Hills and North Hills Beauty Academy will visit participating schools to provide haircuts for the male students and light make up and updos for the female students. The limo services for South Fayette will be provided by Pittsburgh Transportation Group.

“The students are still talking about last year’s prom,” said Special Education Teacher Kara Pappas. “We are so thankful to all the generous vendors who make this such a memorable event for our students.”

At the prom, students will once again be entertained by comedy magician Lee Terbosic who will amaze the students with a special performance. Students will enjoy special keepsake portraits created by caricaturists Clarence Butler, Jeff Harris, and Shawnelle Dodds. DJ Jake Campbell of Kelli Burns Entertainment will provide music for the students to dance the afternoon away. A Prom King & Queen will be crowned during a special visit from the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Pirate Parrot. At the end of the afternoon, students will enjoy smiley cookies from Eat N’ Park.

This event has quickly grown to become an impressive event for students who deserve this opportunity. While inclusion in the high school prom for students is encouraged, this event provides an opportunity for the students to have fun with a group they meet with throughout the year. The prom was also made possible by generous donations from 84 Lumber Company, Timothy K. Slater Funeral Services, Inc., Tadiso Inc, Trax Farms, American Eagle Outfitters, Bridal Headpieces by Beteena and Robert J. Burnett of Houston Harbaugh Attorneys at Law.

Next year’s prom will be hosted by another of the nine districts. Hello Productions and many of the vendors hope to stay involved with this annual event and help it to continue to grow. In addition to the aforementioned sponsors, event signage was graciously provided by Minuteman Press of Pittsburgh. For more information on how to get involved with next year’s prom, please contact Colleen Geletko at Hello Productions.

# # #

Hello Productions, which began in Pittsburgh, PA, is under the ownership of Ashley Moss and has office locations in Pittsburgh, PA, and Raleigh, NC. In addition to weddings and private events, the Hello Productions team offers planning services for all types of events, including corporate functions and non-profit events. Hello Productions is also a marketing and public relations company and offers services that include: lead generation, community involvement packages, custom newsletters, website design, press release packages and social media campaigns. In addition to serving the Pittsburgh and Raleigh regions, Hello Productions offers its expertise to the surrounding areas as well.

The mission of the South Fayette School District, in partnership with the community, is to cultivate academic, artistic, and athletic excellence by instilling a spirit of collaboration and communication to develop confident, ethical and responsible leaders.