(Newswire.net — May 8, 2015) — Weatherford’ foundation, which sponsors an annual essay contest focused on overcoming adversity, works with local area businesses to provide tuxedos, dresses, hair styling services and a specially-designed limo bus for the contest winners and their dates; all of the necessary components for a perfect prom.
The New York Giants donated $25,000 towards the price of tickets for the entire senior class of William L Dickinson.
“A prom ticket that was $100 a few months ago dropped in price to $30, thanks to the Giants generous donation,” said William L. Dickinson school principal Frederick Williams. “For many of our students, that’s the difference between being able to attend their senior prom or not. These kids don’t catch many breaks, so we are so grateful to the New York Giants for providing this substantial one.”
Weatherford was so touched by student essays on bullying from this one school that he has decided to launch a nationwide social media campaign called #TeamLiftUp.
“As someone who was bullied as a kid, reading their words was really powerful,” said Weatherford. “And it made me realize that their voices need to be heard – and so do the voices of kids being bullied all across the country. Now they have that outlet with #TeamLiftUp and hopefully I can lift them up – and they can lift each other up with their words and responses.”
Products and services have been donated by many Jersey City area business owners, including:
La Belle Boutique (Dresses)
Jersey City, NJ
The Tux Shop (Tux)
Bayonne, NJ
Beauty Within Hair Salon (Hair & Nails)
Jersey City, NJ
Ready to Go Productions (Photo Booth)
Staten Island, NY
Brennan’s Florist and Fine Gifts (Corsages)
Jersey City, NJ
Mystical Entertainment Group ( DJ )
Nutley, NJ
“The local businesses who donate goods and services to our winners are the real heroes,” explains Weatherford. “Like me, they see the promise and talent of these young individuals and are doing their part to show them that these positive attributes are not going unrecognized.”
Tailored and groomed, all the seniors from William L. Dickinson High will gather tonight at Mayfield Farm in West Orange for an evening of fun and glamour. The theme of the prom is “A Mid-Summer’s Night Eve.”
Steve Weatherford, punter for the New York Giants, is nationally recognized for his extensive philanthropic work and his incredible strength, physique and approach to health and fitness. Under the umbrella of his foundation, the Steve Weatherford World Champion Foundation, Weatherford mentors close to 150,000 kids in his roles as Health and Fitness Ambassador of the Boys and Girls Club of New Jersey and as “head coach” for Wellness in Schools. He also serves as spokesperson for Second Chance Toys, the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation , The Steve Weatherford Charity for Ghana, Rush the Punter, which is held in his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana to raise money for United Way, and Kicks for Kids.
About New York Giants
A cornerstone franchise of the National Football League, the New York Football Giants began play in 1925. With eight championships, including a victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIV, their second in five seasons, the Giants are the only franchise in the NFL with a Super Bowl victory in each of the last four decades. Headquartered at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J., the Giants entered their 90th season of play this past fall. The New York Giants have a long standing history off the field in our local community, participating in Play 60, food recovery, health and wellness initiatives and youth football to name a few current activations. The team is always proud to partner with great community outreach projects that positively impact our fans. www.giants.com