HONOLULU (KHON2) — This morning, Sept. 6, the doors at Macy’s Pearlridge were opened early for an annual event that supports students with special needs.
The Laulima Giving Program, Keiki O Ka Aina, and Macy’s are giving these students the VIP treatment to help them get ready for Peter’s Prom.
“Peter’s Prom is coming up, it’s a special prom middle of September for those who are special needs,” said Michael Wong, the manager of the Laulima Giving Program.
20 lucky students were chosen to cruise the clothing racks, all expenses paid, to help them put together the perfect outfit for their big night.
“We give them about $200 each,” said the CEO of Keiki O Ka Aina, Momi Akana. “Macy’s has let us go shopping and they provided us with a couple of thousand dollars for our people to get completely decked out in prom wear.”
This event isn’t only for the kids; parents get to feel all the love and excitement, too.
“Our kids often don’t get to experience that real high school experience, like a real prom… I just love the excitement of it all. Having these experiences gets to add a lot of quality to her life,” said Kahea Ilae, who was shopping with her daughter Jordan.
The Laulima Giving Program unites the community and its companies to create one-of-a-kind opportunities like these for special needs kids and their families.