Wellness Council fundraising after post-prom grant is cut

The Bellmore-Merrick Wellness Council’s third annual post-prom party attracted a record 270 seniors and their dates last year, but for the class of 2011, the post-prom celebration is at risk.

For the past three years, the Bellmore-Merrick Wellness Council has received $15,000 in grant money from New York state to fund the event, but former governor David Paterson vetoed the grant requested by State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. last year.

Wellness Council Executive Director Fran Licausi said the grant funded the entire post-prom party. “That’s what it costs to run,” she said. The money went toward securing the venue and all extras for the students. Last year the event was held at Zachary's, a nightclub in East Meadow. The event included a DJ, photo booth, magician/illusionist and money cube — a booth where fake money was blown around and students were able to catch the money for the chance to win prizes like iTunes cards and gift certificates.

The Wellness Council created the post-prom party, which in the past was free to seniors and their dates, as an option for students looking for a fun, safe after-prom event, in an alcohol- and drug-free environment. Without the grant money this year, Licausi said the Wellness Council is actively fundraising. “We want to keep this going,” she said. “It’s a very good program to keep [seniors] safe on prom night.”

In October, the Wellness Council held a night at Madison’s Smoothies on Jerusalem Avenue in North Bellmore. A percentage of the profits went toward the post-prom party. Licausi said she plans to hold another smoothie night when the weather warms up. She also noted that the Wellness Council receives help from the Kiwanis Club, PTAs and local businesses. Yet, without the grant money this year, more help is needed.

The council has hosted meetings with senior class advisers at Central District high schools to brainstorm fundraising ideas and “see if we can get the students to help us out,” Licausi said. She expects to announce fundraisers in the coming weeks.

Chris Schneider, Fuschillo’s communications director, said, “Senator Fuschillo continues to support the Community Wellness Council and the work that it does. He will always try to assist them in any way he can.”

Licausi added that anyone who would like to make a donation can call the Wellness Council at (516) 992-1073 or send an email to cwellnesscouncil@gmail.com.

“We greatly appreciate anything [people] can do,” she said.

Comments about this story? DKrasula@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.