Canton Prom event raises $25,789 for local textbook scholarship

(Canton, OH) March 15, 2019 – United Way of Greater Stark County’s Young Leaders Society hosted Canton Prom at The Historic Onesto in downtown Canton this past Saturday.

This year’s Canton Prom was a sell out several weeks prior to the event. Over 300 tickets were sold for the masquerade themed event, which raised $25,789 to benefit a textbook scholarship fund benefitting first-generation college students. The textbook scholarship is renewable up to four years and students can apply by April 30 at www.uwstark.org/get-involved/donor-networks/young-leaders-society/

The evening featured music from Q92’s Mid-Day Diva Nikolina, photos by Moments by Steph, multiple cash bars, complimentary snack bar and a selfie station.

Prom Court members conducted over 15 fundraising events and activities to compete for the title of Royal Couple. Each couple leveraged unique methods to raise money, including yoga, raffles for free pizza, jukebox jams, fashion fundraisers and online auctions. 2019 Court included five couples from Stark County: John & Adriana Bikis, Julian & Nicole Curet, Christopher & Laura Cutter, Alan & Lisa Frank and Eric & Rebecca Paliswat. John & Adriana Bikis, owners of Royal Docks Brewing Company, were crowned the 2019 Royal Couple on Saturday evening for raising the most money leading up to the event.

“We are amazed at how Canton Prom has grown in just a couple of years. It went from raising $10,000 the first year to almost $26,000 in the third year, which is a testament to the support of the community for the Young Leaders Society and their education initiatives,” says Laura Prengaman, United Way of Greater Stark County staff member and YLS liaison. “The Prom Nom’s went above and beyond in their fundraising efforts and we appreciate their dedication to the cause more than we could ever show.”

United Way of Greater Stark County extends special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Q92 and the numerous local businesses which generously supported the event through in-kind donations and financial contributions. Without their involvement, the event would not be possible. Sponsors for the event included 6th Street Yoga, Angello’s 2 Go, Belden Village Mall, Canton Ballet, Canton Chair Rental, Conestoga Grill, Cultured Coffee & Waffles, Edible Arrangements, George’s Lounge, In Love Bakery, Lees Bees Boutique & Honey, Moe’s Tavern & Brewing, ProCuts Barbershop, Save Your Skin Tans, Tilted Tulip Floral Boutique and Voices of Canton, Inc.

“Each year, this event continues to grow and create awareness of our organization and its mission, as well as spread the word about our goals in education,” says Maria Heege, United Way of Greater Stark County President & CEO. “What an amazing opportunity for our community to see how well people can come together for a great cause and enjoy friendly, healthy competition. It’s always exciting to see what creative ways the Prom Noms raise money to win the title of Royal Couple.”

Pictures of the event will be available on the Canton Prom Facebook event page.

More information about United way of Greater Stark County’s Young Leaders Society is available at www.uwstark.org/young-leaders-society or by contacting Laura Prengaman at [email protected] or (330) 491-9953.

About Young Leaders Society
United Way’s Young Leaders Society is a group of passionate young professionals who come together to educate, engage and inspire individuals across Greater Stark County. They harness their time and talents through mentorship, fundraising and volunteerism to activate education initiatives and build a better community. Education sets the foundation for the future, and it is the area where they believe they can make the greatest impact. As young leaders, their personal and professional success would not have been possible without support from mentors, teachers and advocates who helped them along the way. Now they’re paying it forward for the next generation. More information is available at www.uwstark.org/young-leaders-society .

About United Way of Greater Stark County
United Way of Greater Stark County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. By mobilizing the best resources. And by inspiring individuals to join the fight against their community’s most daunting social crisis. Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities in Greater Stark County. In order to live better, we must live United. For more information about United Way of Greater Stark County visit www.uwstark.org. Offices are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.