MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital holds Prom Party Palooza

Teen cancer patients and families dressed to impress at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital’s fourth annual Prom Party Palooza, held the last Saturday in April. Co-sponsors Peli Peli Restaurants, Sunshine Kids Foundation and the Houston Chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) helped MD Anderson transform the hospital into a circus wonderland with the theme, The Greatest Showman.

A host of entertainment acts included a ringmaster, body balancers, a clown-faced stilt walker, contortionists, jugglers and a bearded lady popping in and out of the crowd. Sarah Grace, a contestant from Season 15 of “The Voice,” entertained with her harmonic melodies and joined the older teens for a party on the top floor of MD Anderson’s Alkek Hospital.

“We are grateful to our sponsors, local businesses and others for supporting our patients and families,” says Tomika Gamble, program manager for pediatric camps and special events at MD Anderson. “Prom gives us an opportunity to provide a fun event for them in the midst of what could be the most difficult time in their lives.”

Patients and families dined on delectable foods from a variety of local restaurants organized by Thomas Nguyen, co-owner of Peli Peli Restaurants and a member of MD Anderson’s Advance Tem advisory board. The Chocolate Llama, for example, surprised attendees with a large elephant-shaped cake carrying out the circus theme. Prom Party Palooza’s unique three-party format meant fun for the entire family. Parents and caregivers had their own “Greatest Showman Party in the Park,” while kids 12 and younger had a circus party in the hospital’s Hoglund Foundation PediDome.

“The younger kids really enjoyed having their own party and space,” says Jennifer Wisler, director of Children’s Services at Sunshine Kids Foundation. “They had fun with a variety of activities including arts and crafts, games, dancing, caricature drawings and more.”

The main party took place on the top floor of MD Anderson’s Alkek Hospital. Faculty, staff and volunteers cheered teens 13 and older and their guests as they walked the red carpet. Local DJs kept the party going as teens danced inside the glass-enclosed veranda overlooking the Houston skyline.

The events leading up to prom had their own surprises in store. The Dress and Suit Shop at MD Anderson, April 22-23, gave patients an opportunity to select prom attire and accessorize with the perfect piece of Kendra Scott jewelry. Hosted by NACE and Sunshine Kids Foundation, the event included more than 150 new dresses donated by Muzzie’s, a visit from Houston Dynamo players to help patients pick out suits and customized dress shirts from AND Suits, and shoes donated by actress-entrepreneur Sarah Jessica Parker from her SJP collection.

Prom Party Palooza’s Prom Prep took place at the hospital hours before the special evening began. Beautique Day Spa and Salon treated teens to a “glam” session with makeup artists, nail technicians and hairstylists. Caly Bevier, “America’s Got Talent” Season 11 finalist and teen ovarian cancer survivor, visited with patients while they prepared for the big night.

“I’m used to seeing our patients and families in a clinical setting, so it was very rewarding to see them having fun at the hospital,” says Branko Cuglievan, M.D., assistant professor of Pediatrics.

MD Anderson extends thanks to all who collaborated to make Prom Party Palooza a success including:

• AND Suits
• Antone’s Famous Po’Boys
• Bailey Connor Catering
• Beautique Day Spa and Salon
• Braeburn Country Club
• Cane Rosso
• Cheesecake Factory
• Clinique
• Cort Furniture
• Craft Burger
• Dillard’s
• EB Inc.
• Freezing Point
• GTX Productions
• Houston Zoo
• Ideal Party Decorators
• J&D Entertainment
• Joystix
• Kendra Scott
• Martin Hernandez Photography
• Melange Catering and Events
• Men’s Wearhouse
• Michelle’s Henna & Skin Artistry
• Muzzie’s
• MYEVENTISTHEBOMB
• NACE
• Peli Peli Restaurants
• Signature Eventz
• Something Blue Bridal Boutique
• Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
• SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker
• Sunshine Kids Foundation
• Taste of Texas
• The Bridal Rail
• The Chocolate Llama
• True Food Kitchen