MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital's Prom Party Palooza

Some teens spend years dreaming about high school prom. What to wear? The perfect date? Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and volunteers, teenage cancer patients at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital, along with their guests, found makeup and attire to be the least of their worries at the MD Anderson's prom. And for that one special night, so was their treatment.

This year's Prom Party Palooza was sponsored by Peli Restaurants, the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) and the Sunshine Kids Foundation. They partnered with MD Anderson to give teen cancer patients and their families a night complete with food, fun and entertainment. The evening's "La Land"-inspired theme, Here's to Those Who Dream, was the perfect setting for the donated dresses, services, décor, food, music and more that combined for a night to remember.

"Each year gets better and better," says Nguyen, a member of MD Anderson Cancer Center's Advance Team advisory board. "The community and local businesses love this event and look forward to it."

Instead of worrying about scans, MRIs and chemotherapy, teen cancer patients spent the week leading up to the April 28 event much like any other teenagers preparing for prom night. A two-day "shop" at MD Anderson enabled patients and siblings to select stylish dresses, tuxedos and jewelry. On prom day, teens focused on getting "glam ready" at the hospital with hair, nails and makeup services.

That evening, the selection of delectable food, drinks and desserts was a sight to see. Separate parties for parents and caregivers and for children 12 and under provided entertainment for all. The main event took place on the top floor in a glass-enclosed space with a spectacular view of Houston's skyline. Cancer patients and guests 13 and older were allowed access to the area, where they enjoyed a photo booth, several DJs, a fruit and drink bar and a dessert buffet. Houston Texans players Christian Covington and Nick Martin, Miss Texas Logan Lester and local television reporters were constant fixtures on the dance floor with the teens.

Helping teens say 'yes' to the perfect dress

Prom Party Palooza, an annual tradition at MD Anderson, began three years ago as the brainchild of Thomas Nguyen, co-founder of Peli Peli Restaurants. Through collaborative efforts with local restaurants and businesses, Nguyen and co-sponsors spend months planning a top-of-the-line prom experience for patients and families.

When approached about collecting prom dresses for teenage cancer patients, siblings and dates, he jumped at the challenge. MD Anderson Advance Team member Nguyen reached out to the community during a two-week promotional push. The Peli Peli Dress Drive collected more than 1,500 new and gently worn dresses.

"We've collected more than 700 dresses in the first day, including a donation of 525 brand new dresses from a local retailer," says Nguyen. "The teens had an amazing time making selections from such a variety of styles."

Thanks to:

• Antone's Famous Po' Boys
• Bailey Connor Catering
• Beautique Day Spa & Salon
• Brennan's of Houston
• Cake & Eat It Too
• Cane Rosso
• Craft Burger
• Dish Society
• DJ Johnny Mac
• EB Inc.
• Flowers in the Heights
• Freezing Point
• Glory Kids
• House of the Rising Cookie
• Houston Zoo
• Ideal Party Decorators
• iDesign Netting and Events
• iHostPoker Casino Parties
• J&D Entertainment
• J-Mac of 97.9 The Box
• Joystix
• Kendra Scott
• Local Table
• Melange Catering and Events
• Men's Wearhouse
• MYEVENTISTHEBOMB
• Oh So Elegant Events
• Pharris Photography
• Poparazzi's Popcorn
• Shutterbooth
• Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
• Solaris Studios
• Something Blue
• Taste of Texas
• The Chocolate Llama
• Weddings in Houston Magazine