PLANO, Texas, March 31, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dancing shoes and good moves are required at the second annual My Possibilities Community Ball Friday, April 17 at InterContinental Dallas. The Plano-based non-profit educational center is dedicated to empowering adults with special needs and the Ball will help raise funds for the school's students known as HIPsters (Hugely Important People).
As a pioneering leader in continued education for special needs adults, My Possibilities' center offers continued learning opportunities to adults who have aged out of the public school system. The center provides education in independent living skills, vocational training, social skills development, and a variety of enriching educational programs using computers, art, music and physical exercise which is designed to stimulate the HIPsters mental and creative abilities.
The Community Ball begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the entire community and HIPsters alike. Created out of the desire to not only raise funds for the organization, the Ball is a chance for HIPsters to get dressed up and feel special for an evening, an opportunity these adults might not have had otherwise. This also gives attendees a chance to interact with HIPsters and see firsthand the joy they create.
In addition to a formal dinner and dancing the event will host two auctions. The live auction will include original framed artwork painted by the HIPsters, and sport packages which include suite tickets for four to the American Airlines Center, a surprise gift from the Dallas Cowboys, rounds of golf and autographed memorabilia from Jordan Spieth. The silent auction, which will last throughout the evening, will include a weekend golf getaway for two at Horseshoe Bay as well as artwork, jewelry and other objects of interest. There are also a few special surprises planned throughout the evening, and the Jordan Kahn Music Company will close out the Ball again this year with some Billboard favorites.
For the second year, Alliance Data is the presenting sponsor for the My Possibilities Community Ball – and many North Texas businesses, families and individuals are working together to make the My Possibilities Community Ball another success this year.
"Alliance Data strategically invests time and resources in programs that enrich the lives of individuals who live within our communities," said Karen Wald, Alliance Data senior vice president of corporate affairs. "We look for organizations that make a difference, and My Possibilities' growth is a testament to the quality of the programs they provide for their students. The center's commitment to teaching and advocating for adults with special needs is just one of the reasons we continue supporting the work of My Possibilities, and are the presenting sponsor of the My Possibilities Community Ball again this year."
In addition to Alliance Data, Berry Family Services has committed to be the entertainment sponsor for the evening while Frost Bank, Chase's Place, Joanne and Bill Parsons, Mrs. Margaret McDermott and Liz and Tim McHugh are supporting the ball as Neighborhood sponsors. The Association sponsors that are also helping to underwrite the ball include: First Texas Homes, Smith Exploration, The Weeks Law Firm, and Allegiance Capital Corporation along with numerous private individuals. These supporters and many others believe in providing educational and life enriching opportunities for MP students. Their ongoing support shows the level of commitment that North Texans have for the special needs community.
"It is heart-warming to see the community rally around My Possibilities," said Charmaine Solomon, chairman of the center. "We are so grateful to our friends from Alliance Data who have honored us by once again, agreeing to be our presenting sponsor. Additionally, we deeply appreciate the ongoing support from Berry Family Services, who has underwritten our entertainment for the evening, as well as Men's Warehouse, the Prom Closet from St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, and other organizations too numerous to mention.
"There is no way to thank all of the businesses, donors, concerned parents and volunteers that have spent countless hours working to make the My Possibilities Community Ball possible," Solomon added. "With the support of our friends within the community, My Possibilities continues to grow and offer an unprecedented array of educational programs that have made a real difference in the lives of the adults with special needs that live in North Texas."
Tickets for the event start at $100, and can be purchased online at My Possibilities Community Ball in advance of the event. Proceeds from ticket sales and the ball fundraising activities will go to the center's operating fund for the benefit of the HIPsters. "With just over three weeks to the ball, more than 500 people have already registered," said Michael Thomas, executive director of My Possibilities. "The Community Ball is going to be a big event with entertainment and fun for all. The HIPsters are excited, and so are our staff, volunteers and sponsors. So purchase your ticket today, and help us serve adults with special needs." Voluntary contributions made during the ball will go into the My Possibilities Capital Campaign to help fund the center's ongoing expansion.
To learn more about My Possibilities, contact Charmaine Solomon at (469) 631-1372 or by email at lalchar@aol.com. To reach Michael Thomas, the MP executive director, call 469-241-9100 ext. 123 or email him at director@mptx.org. Additional information is also available on the website at www.mypossibilities.org. For information regarding Alliance Data, contact Danielle Ricketts at danielle.ricketts@alliancedata.com, or visit www.alliancedata.com.
About My Possibilities:
My Possibilities is a Plano, Texas-based non-profit, charity - 501(c)(3), for adults with disabilities (Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger's, Prader-Willi, Head Injuries, etc.). Started in June 2008, this organization is the FIRST full-day, full-year program in Collin County for Texans, who have "aged out" of secondary education. My Possibilities helps special needs adults build independence and vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment. To learn more, please go to www.mypossibilities.org.