Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

WILKES-BARRE — Roughly two dozen teens filled the F.M. Kirby Center on Saturday night, exchanging funny props for photo-booth pictures, enjoying a gourmet dinner and seemingly having the night of their lives.

While the settings, music and fashion mimicked a usual prom, one thing an average onlooker may not have realized, however, is that the event was held for the area’s foster youth.

Flourish Wilkes-Barre held its third annual prom for Luzerne County foster teens, ringing in the latest event with not only a new name but a new partner sponsor.

Flourish founder and event organizer Dr. Sara Moore explained that Flourish started as a class project during her time teaching at Wilkes University. A year later, she joined forces with Hazleton-based Brandon’s Forever Home to create the event as a way to bring community businesses and organizations together to aid local youth.

Formally known as the Branderella Ball, the teens voted to rename the event as the Snow Ball as a way to ring in the new year while also acknowledging a new partner for the party.

“This year we’re in partnership with the Family Service Association of NEPA,” said Moore. “We have included our public service organizations a lot more this year.”

Several area foster groups participated, including Children & Youth Services of Luzerne County and Community Residential Rehabilitation of the Institute for Human Resources and Services.

In addition, more than 15 area businesses and organizations stepped up to make an unforgettable evening for the group, offering food, entertainment, decor, raffles and more.

Prom dresses were donated through students of Wilkes, King’s and Misericordia, while tuxedos were available through Sarno & Sons. Alexander’s Salon & Spa asked to be the exclusive salon servicer of the event, with staff members volunteering the majority of their day to primp and prime gleeful attendees.

“We actually have more people in the community to come out and support these kids than there actually are people to support,” Moore said of the over 50 volunteers at the event. “It’s amazing.”

‘Show them kindness’

While many of the teens were busy swapping silly props at the photo booth, Northeast Foster Care caseworker Anna Ruggere was happy to look on from her table. Not only is the Snow Ball an excellent opportunity for the teens to feel like celebrities for the night, she said, but it also allows them to truly see that their community supports them.

As the evening continued with dinner and dancing, volunteer Angie Burke was thrilled with the way everything turned out. Her second year participating in the Snow Ball, Burke said the evening has become a family tradition of sorts.

“I saw it was announced last year that they needed volunteers, so I brought my daughters,” she explained. “We signed up again when we saw it this year because it’s such a great opportunity to help these kids and help them have a good night.”

For Moore, it’s all about helping the more than 400 foster children in Luzerne County.

“The children in this room are our future, and they’re most likely going to grow up and stay here and raise families,” she said. “And if someone doesn’t show them kindness, then they may not grow up to be someone who gives back to their community and show other people kindness.”

Jamie Smith, of Social Fabric Collective, speaks to foster teens about youth photography opportunities and scholarships during the Snow Ball at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_TTL012719SnowBall_3.jpg.optimal.jpgJamie Smith, of Social Fabric Collective, speaks to foster teens about youth photography opportunities and scholarships during the Snow Ball at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Winter crystal centerpieces adorn the tables as foster teens sit down to dinner during the Snow Ball at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday evening.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_TTL012719SnowBall_4.jpg.optimal.jpgWinter crystal centerpieces adorn the tables as foster teens sit down to dinner during the Snow Ball at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday evening. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Snow Ball organizer Dr. Sara Moore offers welcoming remarks to foster teens at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday evening. More than 15 area businesses and organizations stepped up to offer food, entertainment, decor, raffles and more.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_TTL012719SnowBall_2.jpg.optimal.jpgSnow Ball organizer Dr. Sara Moore offers welcoming remarks to foster teens at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday evening. More than 15 area businesses and organizations stepped up to offer food, entertainment, decor, raffles and more. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

By Marcella Kester

For Times Leader