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New Orleans, LA – U.S. Marshal Genny May
proudly announced that the United States Marshals Service, Eastern District of
Louisiana, participated in the Friends of Scott “Unforgettable Prom” on April
22, 2011 in New Orleans, LA. The prom was attended by approximately one hundred
children who are being treated for cancer at the Children’s Hospital of New
Orleans. The Marshal and deputies assisted with the planning and coordination of
the event and served as chaperones during the prom. Additionally, they led some
of the events and dances, even serving as fill-in dance partners for the
attendees that did not have one. All the deputies that assisted with this
worthwhile event are looking forward to participating again next year.
The Friends of Scott is a non-profit organization, based in San Diego, CA, that
was founded by Carmen and Henry Delgadillo, in the memory of their son Scott who
lost his battle with childhood cancer and was unable to attend his own prom. The
mission of the Friends of Scott Foundation is to help children with cancer and
their families by providing emotional and financial support. The New Orleans
event was the first “remote” Unforgettable Prom sponsored by the Foundation.
With the support of the New Orleans Children’s Hospital, the Louisiana National
Guard, the New Orleans Harbor Police, the New Orleans Police Department, the
United States Marshals Service, New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees, and
numerous sponsors, the kids were provided with a night where they could escape
their pain, their fear and their sadness. The kids were able to experience the
amazement of wearing a beautiful gown or snazzy tux, riding in a stretch limo,
and walking down the “red carpet” as their pictures were taken. Seeing their
glow, as they realized all eyes were on them, was an amazing experience for
everyone involved. The Unforgettable Prom was a night filled with music,
dancing, food, desserts and most importantly, friends!
The children were picked up in limos and escorted to the prom site at Mardi Gras
World by volunteer motorcycle police from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office,
Plaquemine’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the
Louisiana State Police – Troop B, and the New Orleans Police Department. Once
arriving at the “Red Carpet” event, the children, ages 13-20, were greeted by
local radio personalities Teapot and Stevie-G, event organizers, family,
friends, and New Orleans Saints tight end David Thomas.
The actual prom was closed to all but the organizers and law enforcement. The
dresses, tuxedos, flowers, transportation, food, music, photographs, and all
associated services were provided to the children at no cost. Guests came from
as far away as the Louisiana-Texas border and several cities within Mississippi.
Accommodations for families who traveled to the event were provided by The
Roosevelt Hotel, Hotel New Orleans, and the Hampton Inn Convention Center.
For information about the Friends of Scott contact them at
http://www.friendsofscott.org/default.aspx. To learn more about the Eastern
District of Louisiana U.S. Marshals office visit
http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/la-e/index.html.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals
can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.
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