Any parent of a high-schooler is bound to tell you that proms cost some time and money. The selection of the best tux, the best corsage, and, if grades were really good, maybe even a limo or fancy dinner out.
But while families typically foot a lot of those things for their excited prom-goer, a whole community supports the Renal Teen Prom through time, donations, volunteering, and general enthusiastic well-wishing. It's an annual prom for kids living with kidney disease, as the name might suggest.
The Renal Support Network is behind the glam night. Network honcho Lori Hartwell missed her own prom back in the day, so she and others helped create what has become a special night for teens and young adults who didn't get a chance to go to their proms, whether they were undergoing dialysis or were in the hospital at the time. Or simply didn't feel up to it.
How special? Actor Jack Black regular shows to hobnob and will again on Sunday, Jan. 20, the night of this year's prom. The designer of the 2012 theme -- it's "Midnight in Paris" -- is none other than TV pro Dan Proett (he worked on "Twin Peaks," which ups the wow factor). And Tony Ward of PRG is in charge of the lighting (PRG handles several of the major award shows).
Seriously.
Not only are the prom attendees way cool and ready to mix and by merry, but the whole prom itself is one big, multi-person effort in cool-o-sity. Major stuff.
The attendees are not your typical prom crowd, if you're thinking that everyone is in the 17- to 18-year-old range. People ages 14 to 24 are welcome, and some revelers come from out of state to attend. The Renal Teen Prom has gained quite the high profile over its near decade-and-a-half history of blowing up the balloons and dimming the dance floor lights.
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And while the Sherman Oaks-based prom isn't open to the public, you can certainly support the annual event via donations, both monetary and prom-etary. Meaning? If you have a prom dress in your close, or accessories, there's a collection drive near the end of the year. The Renal Support Network will have details, but it usually launches around Thanksgiving.
