We're looking for prom dress and suit donations to give SEND students in Sunderland a night to remember
“We want to give these SEND students a prom to remember,” says Michael Ganley as Fans Museum gears up to host its first ball.
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The Fans Museum, in Monkwearmouth, has teamed up with Sunderland College to host a Prom for its SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) students this June - and they need your help to make it a night to remember.
The museum and its community outreach programmes already supports neurodiverse people and Michael, who founded Fans Museum, said the Prom was a natural progression.
“I had been invited to the college to be part of a presentation awards and got chatting to Pam Spence from the college about how costly Proms are,” he said.
“The hire of venues can be at a crazy cost, but I said ‘the Fans Museum’ is there, let’s make it happen.”
Speaking about how the public can help, Michael added: “It’s an honour to open our doors for such a special milestone and help create an unforgettable night for the students.
“However, unfortunately for some students, the cost of hiring or purchasing a dress or suit can make attending Prom difficult.
“If anyone has a formal dress or suit they no longer need and would be willing to donate, your generosity would make a huge difference. Your support could help these talented young people enjoy the Prom they deserve and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Around 100 students will be attending the Prom, with different rooms at the museum catering for different needs, with a quiet room, a disco room and rooms to play games.
The team has already received donations of music and pizza for the night, but Michael is also looking for a car company who may be willing to donate an occasion car for the night, so students can have their photos taken with it in front of the museum.
Donations of prom dresses and suits, for students aged 16 and over, can be made directly at the museum or you can email Michael on [email protected]
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Just before Christmas, The Fans Museum opened a new shop at the former JD Sports unit in Durham’s Prince Bishop’s shopping centre.
While The Fans Museum in Monkwearmouth houses the community interest company’s main collections, the shop sells a wide range of pre-loved and new items.
And you can also drop off prom dress and suit donations to the shop during these times: Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 11am - 4pm.
Any surplus donations will be stored and used for future events.