Anti-Violence Group Holds Prom To Raise Money For Community Center
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Dancing and raising money to keep kids in their community safe was the goal of one prom taking place Saturday night.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot explains it's not just fun for the guests, it's a second chance at a once-in-a-lifetime event.
The group, Mothers Against Senseless Killings, or MASK, charged $75.00 a person to attend their prom in Bronzeville. The money raised will turn a vacant building in Englewood into a community center.
The group known for hosting daily block parties in high-crime areas to keep kids safe during the summer wants to make sure children are safe in the winter too.
"Englewood needs more safe havens," said Tamar Manasseh, the group's founder. "It needs more places where kids can be safe, where they can live."
Those dancing the night away know the difference a safe haven in their community can make. They're enjoying prom for the first time because of various hardships during their younger years.
The goal is to raise $25,000 and open the community center in January. The money raised will keep it open for six months.
