Houston Restaurants to Bring Prom to Teens at MD Anderson Cancer Center

HOUSTON, April 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- If Peli Peli and several Houston restaurants and retailers have anything to do with it, the biggest prom in Houston in 2016 will be at a hospital.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160421/358499

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160421/358500

Peli Peli, a South African restaurant with two locations in Houston, and Marine Foods Express, a local commercial seafood distributor, are organizing a Great Gatsby-themed prom for 125 teens and their families at The University of Texas MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital on Saturday, April 30. Many of the teens have not been able to attend regular school events such as homecomings and proms due to their treatments. 

"We have always wanted to collaborate with other Houston restaurants and retailers to create an amazing and unforgettable experience for the teens at MD Anderson," states Thomas Nguyen, co-owner of Peli Peli.  "Those kids have endured so much hardship and some have not been able to participate in regular school events, so our goal is to give them the most spectacular prom possible."

Support from the Houston community for the inaugural "Prom Party Palooza" has been overwhelming.  Houstonia Magazine is the media sponsor and Lily Jang (KHOU Channel 11) and Andy Cerota (KPRC Channel 2) have agreed to be the co-masters of ceremonies.  Several popular Houston restaurants including the Tasting Room, Taste of Texas, Peli Peli, Holley's Seafood Restaurant, Kuu, recent "Chopped" winner Shannen Tune (Craft Burger Food Truck), Roostar Vietnamese Grill and Fluff Bake Bar have agreed to volunteer and provide catering for the event.

Entertainment for the prom will be provided by award-winning 80's cover band, Molly & the Ringwalds, along with DJ's Johnny "JKB" Nguyen and John "Johnny Mac" McLaughlin, who will perform in the main prom room.  Orbit, the Astro's mascot, will make an appearance in the kid's area.  Hair, make-up and jewelry will be done by Pageboy and Kendra Scott, and Al's Formal Wear will provide tuxedos to all of the boys.  The girls will be able to select from a closet of over 200 donated dresses.  Lighting, photography, videography and photobooth will be provided by Yogi G Productions, PXLS Studio, Zone 6 Video and BoothRus, respectively. 

More than 100 volunteers have signed up to assist with the tuxedo and dress fittings, in addition to the actual prom day on April 30^th.  This event is not open to the public.

Peli Peli, with locations at 110 Vintage Park Blvd, Houston, TX, 77070 and The Galleria at 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX, 77056, features South African cuisine by Executive Chef Paul Friedman. The restaurant has received numerous awards, including Top 100 Best Reviewed American Fare Restaurants in the U.S. by Opentable®, among others. Both Peli Peli locations are currently ranked in the top 10 in Houston by TripAdvisor® and Yelp.

Media Contact:
Thomas Nguyen 
832-259-2448 
Email

SOURCE Peli Peli