PLANO, Texas, March 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- My Possibilities (MP), a Plano-based non-profit center dedicated to empowering adults with special needs, is hosting the inaugural My Possibilities Community Ball for the school's students on Friday, April 4. A community-wide event, tickets are available to anyone with an interest in educational opportunities for special needs adults. A pioneer in providing vocational instruction, independent living skills training, and a variety of enriching programs for adults with disabilities, MP is supported through the generosity of North Texas businesses and other community leaders.
With Alliance Data as the presenting sponsor, the black-tie/formal event will be held at the Hyatt Regency North Dallas Hotel, which is located at 701 East Campbell Road in Richardson, Texas. The event starts at 7:00 p.m., and ends at 10:30 p.m. Tickets for the event start at $75, and can be purchased online at www.mypossibilities.org . Proceeds from the ball will benefit the My Possibilities Capital Campaign to help fund the center's recent expansion.
"Alliance Data is committed to empowering individuals with the skills they need to live independently," said Karen Wald, Alliance Data senior vice president of corporate affairs. "Strategically investing time and resources in organizations and programs that have a real impact is crucial to the future of our communities and this is just one of the reasons we're a proud supporter of My Possibilities."
The Community Ball has been supported by a number of North Texas businesses and individuals. In addition to the ball's presenting sponsor, Berry Family Services, First Texas Homes, Frost Bank, Basden & Ivie, The Weeks Law Firm, Chase's Place along with Charmaine and Larry Solomon and many other supporters, all have contributed to make the HIPster's inaugural Community Ball a resounding success.
My Possibilities strongly believes in the concept of inclusion and equal opportunity for the school's students which are known as HIPsters – Hugely Important People. Most of the HIPsters have not had the opportunity to experience a formal dance. Not only is the ball a special occasion for the HIPsters, but it also gives them a chance to participate in this fundraising effort.
Created around an international theme, this year the focus is on Africa, which gives the HIPsters an opportunity to learn about African culture. The ball is built around MP's belief in the concept of inclusion. And, in Africa, there is a Nguni word that exemplifies this concept – "UBUNTU," which means that people can only find fulfillment through interacting with other people."
In keeping with the ball's theme, professional performers, dressed in African attire, will entertain guests with native-inspired music and dance. A silent auction highlighting the creative efforts of the HIPsters will be available throughout the evening and will include artwork and jewelry. A few special surprises are planned throughout the evening, including a performance by Dr. Gorilla. The ball's finale will include a performance by special friends of My Possibilities – the popular band, Downtown Fever – who will provide dance music for HIPsters and event attendees.
"The community has been tremendously supportive of My Possibilities," said Charmaine Solomon, chairman of the center. "Our friends from Alliance Data have provided key funding for the ball as our presenting sponsor, and other organizations have offered their support as well. For example, to make this party special for the male students, Men's Wearhouse is providing discounted tux rentals and Berry Family Services is underwriting the remaining costs. For the female students, St. Andrew's United Methodist Church is donating dresses and accessories from their Prom Closet. An afternoon of pampering at My Possibilities is planned and staffed by volunteers to assist the lady HIPsters with their hair and make-up to make the evening especially memorable. At the same time, the male HIPsters will enjoy the benefit of a "man cave". And, a number of photographers from Richland College have volunteered to take pictures of the event."
"These examples are only a small sample of the heartwarming responses the center has received from people throughout North Texas who are supporting this event," Solomon added. "Without the help of concerned parents, volunteers, donors, businesses and other organizations, My Possibilities couldn't provide the level of care and programs that we offer today."
A leader in special needs education for adults with various disabilities including Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger's, Prader-Willi, and head injuries, My Possibilities is expanding, as the need to provide quality educational services continues to grow.
To learn more about My Possibilities, contact Charmaine Solomon at (469) 631-1372 or by email at lalchar@aol.com . To reach Michael Thomas, the MP executive director, call 469-241-9100 ext. 123 or email him at director@mptx.org . Additional information is also available on the website at www.mypossibilities.org . For information regarding Alliance Data, contact Danielle Ricketts at danielle.ricketts@alliancedata.com , or visit www.alliancedata.com .
About Alliance Data:
Alliance Data ® and its combined businesses is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, Alliance Data and its three businesses employ approximately 12,000 associates at more than 80 locations worldwide. Alliance Data was named to FORTUNE magazine's 2014 list of World's Most Admired Companies .
Alliance Data consists of three businesses: Alliance Data Retail Services, a leading provider of marketing-driven credit solutions; Epsilon ® , a leading provider of multichannel, data-driven technologies and marketing services; and LoyaltyOne ® , which owns and operates the AIR MILES ® Reward Program, Canada's premier coalition loyalty program. For more information about the company, visit our website, www.alliancedata.com , or follow us on Twitter via @AllianceData .
About My Possibilities:
My Possibilities is a Plano, Texas-based non-profit, charity - 501(c)(3), for adults with disabilities (Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger's, Prader-Willi, Head Injuries, etc.). Started in June 2008, this organization is the FIRST full-day, full-year program in Collin County for Texans, who have "aged out" of secondary education. My Possibilities helps special needs adults build independence and vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment. To learn more, please go to www.mypossibilities.org .
Virginia Stuart 214.673.1683
