Budget cuts affect post-prom party

The Community Wellness Council of the Bellmores & Merricks says it too is a victim of state budget cuts, and that is affecting its ability to throw a post-prom party for students in the Bellmore-Merrick School District.

Fran Licausi, executive director of the council that started in 1996 to help educate the area's youth about substance abuse, said it has been receiving $15,000 from the office of Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick) for the past three years to run the party.

But she said that among the cuts made by former Gov. David Paterson was the council’s grant for the party.

“Right now we are reaching out to the parents, but we do have a fundraiser on March 25,” she said.

The council is holding a disco fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus Bellmore Council 3689, located at 2333 Bellmore Ave., from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $30 and includes food and open bar. Attendees must be 21 and can call 516-992-1073 for more information.

The council needs to raise the entire amount by the June 23 prom date. Zachary’s Nightclub, 1916 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow, is currently holding the date for the event. In its first year the party drew 125 students. Last year approximately 300 attended.

Licausi said that if the council raises a portion of the money it would look into a scaled-down party at a different location.