A Prom To Remember: Their Health Didn't Stop Them From Celebrating

Attendees were provided Macy’s gift cards to purchase a special outfit for the ‘Disco Fever’ themed prom in Hollywood. They were surprised to see what the hospital’s Child Life Zone had been transformed into, with disco balls, marquee lights and shimmering walls making it feel like a real dance club. A caricature artist, airbrushed tattoos, 360-degree video and photo booths, and raffle prizes added to the fun. The two most recent Miss Florida USA Title holders, Caroline Dixon and Taylor Fulford, were on hand to share the special occasion with those whose lives have been turned upside-down by illness.

“The kids loved it,” said Tangie Brownlee, a Child Life Specialist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and a driving force behind the Dunkin’ Prom. “They liked coming to see the staff they interacted with when they were in the hospital, seeing celebrities, dancing, enjoying some fun food, and listening to music.”

An assortment of decadent desserts included a chocolate fountain, cotton candy machine, and a Dunkin’ munchkins display capped off the sweet evening.

“Our proms allow patients to step away from their illness and into the joy of being a teen looking forward to prom and celebrating the night,” said April McGonnigal, Director of the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. “We were proud to partner with Joe DiMaggio to bring this special prom experience to the teen patients in Broward.”

The event, and 15 others throughout the country, support the Dunkin’ foundation’s mission to provide the simple joys of childhood to kids, and teens, when they need it most, like when living with an illness.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (www.jdch.com) is one of the nation’s leading Pediatric Hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of Healthcare Services and Programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A Level One Trauma Center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered approach to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches.

To learn more about Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, visit: www.jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin,’ provides the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation partners with food banks, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit organizations to fund joyful environments and joyful experiences for kids when they need it most.

Since 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $45 Million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country thanks to the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees. For more information, please visit: www.bringjoy.org