Community Steps Up After Local High School's Prom Cut Short By Power Outage
By Syma Chowdhry
WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBS) -- A prom is supposed to a night you will never forget.
But after the power went out at the Winslow Township High School prom last week, the community is pulling together to give those students a second chance.
Ernest Wallace, a senior, says,"We were all ready to get on the dance floor and have fun and then the power just went out."
Senior prom for Winslow Township High School students will sure be one to remember.
After getting dolled up, renting tuxedos and limos, the students arrived at the Mansion Banquet Hall in Voorhees last Friday.
"Envisioning a great time with my date. My senior prom is never forgettable moment," says Marcus Burrell, a student.
But less than than two hours into the night, the students were left in the dark after the hall experienced a power outage.
"Only got five minutes to dance and out of no where boom the lights went out," Marcus says.
The night came to a screeching halt and the students were sent home.
Vito Howell says, "Some people didn't get to eat, some people didn't get to take pictures we didn't get to know who won prom King or Queen."
"Sixty five dollars on shoes, I spent $100 on my hair and makeup. I spent a lot of money," says Isabella.
Isabella Vascos is on the prom committee and says the night was ruined - two fold.
"I stayed after on weeks on end. I put together center pieces and invitations."
"We feel so bad for the kids," says Winslow Township Mayor Barry Wright.
Wright heard what happened and called his friend Tina Briglia.
"I wanted to step in and I wanted to give their moment back," Tina says.
Briglia owns the Villa Manor and has decided to give the students a "prom redo."
"The kids could come here have their dance, eat at no charge and just give them their moment they deserve."
"We want our kids to remember their prom," Mayor Wright says.
We reached out to the general manager of the Mansion Banquet Hall but we haven't heard back.
It's unclear what caused the power outage and if students will get back the money spent on prom tickets.
As for the second prom, it will be held here at Villa Manor on June 5th.
