The House, a Virginia-based non-profit organization dedicated to investing in the lives of D.C.-area Middle and High School students, is pleased to announce a special event for students with disabilities on June 2.
The Cinderella Ball is a Prom Night designed especially for Middle and High School students with disabilities and will be held at The House in Woodbridge, Va, on Friday night, June 2, at 6:30pm.
This special event will be highlighted with live presentations from Kyle Maynard and George Mason men's basketball head coach Jim Larranaga.
Kyle Maynard, a congenital amputee, was born in 1986 with only three joints: a neck and two shoulders. Without forearms or legs below the knees, he stands just over three feet tall. Yet he has found the secret to living a full and active life.
Kyle has been featured on Oprah Winfrey and Larry King Live, sharing his compelling story that encourages students and adults alike.
Determined to succeed in school and athletics, Kyle is an excellent student-athlete who became one of the top high school wrestlers in the state of Georgia, and is now wrestling at the University of Georgia. He has participated in many other sports, including swimming, baseball, street hockey, and football, all without the aide of prosthetics. In 2005, he broke the world record in the modified bench press. He also won a 2004 ESPY Award and is a recipient of the President’s Award for the Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. But it is his approach to life that is truly impressive. His story inspires and motivates, and his personality is endearing to all who hear him.
Upon hearing about The Cinderella Ball, Kyle told the founders of The House: “Everyone in life has obstacles to overcome. If it weren’t for people in my life – my parents, coaches, teachers and friends – and my faith in God, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s people like those at The House, with their events like The Cinderella Ball, who are making the needed difference in students’ lives.”
Coach Larranaga led the George Mason Patriots to through a magical season this year that culminated in an appearance in the NCAA Final Four. In only nine seasons, Larranaga turned around a men’s basketball program that was in shambles and took them to national prominence in March when the country took notice of a team making an improbable run through the national tournament, getting their first four NCAA tournament wins in GMU history.
Larranaga, who was recently honored with a three-year contract extension and described as “the most successful coach in Colonial Athletic Association history” by the Washington Post, agreed to speak to the students and their families at The House’s Cinderella Ball.
Students who attend The Cinderella Ball will experience a catered banquet with food provided by The Olive Garden and a dance hosted by a professional DJ.
Gowns for the ladies are being provided by families and companies in the Woodbridge area, and fittings will be available for all. The men will receive a free tie from S&K Men’s Warehouse.
Parents of attendees will be hosted at a special reception, with food provided by Cici’s Pizza.
All students will also receive a free copy of Kyle Maynard’s book No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life.
The entire event is free to students, but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Just call 571-237-5860.
If you, your company, or someone you know would like to get involved in supporting The Cinderella Ball, opportunities are available. The House is still accepting corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and ladies’ dresses, as well as volunteers for the event. For more information, call 571-237-5860.
To learn more about everything The House is doing and how you can be a part, log on to www.TheHouse-Inc.com or call 571-237-5860.
The House is a not-for-profit, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization located at 14000 Crown Court in Woodbridge, Va.
