Over 130 Sea Cliff residents partied like it was 1999 at the Love Your Neighbor All You Need Is Love ’90s Prom fundraiser on March 8 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Parish Hall.
“It was absolutely epic, we had the most people come out, the most number of restaurants, and raised the most amount of money that we’ve raised in the last three years that we’ve done prom” Love Your Neighbor Project’s Chief Neighbor Jaime Teich said. “You walked in and it felt like a parents’ basement in the 90s where we all hung out in high school. It was really quite remarkable.”
The prom night is the fourth All You Need Is Love fundraiser that the Project has held since its founding in 2020 and the second one to be held in person. The nonprofit Sea Cliff charity works to promote community growth and participation and to look out for one’s neighbors.
The music for the evening was provided by local disc jockey DJ McLovin, who only played ‘90’s music throughout the night. The disc jockey was also the musical contribution at the previous All You Need Is Love prom fundraisers. In addition live music was provided by Kingfisher, a local rock band.
Drinks throughout the night were provided by Still Partners and numerous Sea Cliff restaurants contributed catering services.
“The spread that we had was absolutely incredible. There were 17 restaurants and local food establishments who provided us with everything you could think of.” said Teich. “The amount of food was incredible and really showcased all of the different establishments that we have.”
Items for attendees to eat included quesadillas from Cactus Cafe, butter chicken from Onion Tree and an expansive desert menu featuring candies and other sweet treats according to Teich.
The first-decade theme the charity did for their prom was the 1960s, then the 1980s in 2023 and then the 90s. The over $11,000 raised from this year’s event launches the funding for all the subsequent scholarships and grants that the Love Your Neighbor Project offers; including multiple scholarships and grants that they provide to the North Shore School District.
The scholarships and grants fund projects developed by neighbors, big and small, and support high school seniors who embody the charity’s mission in their daily lives, providing money for their journey ahead.
Teich argued that events such as the prom night represent a community investment in their younger people as well as uniting people and bringing positive energy to Sea Cliff. “We’re throwing this party to unite people and to bring people together when we still feel divided in some ways,” Teich said “but we are also doing it so we can give back to the community.”