ATLANTA — Atlanta Public Schools announced on Friday that renowned entrepreneur and Slutty Vegan founder, Pinky Cole Hayes, will be sponsoring Benjamin E. Mays High School's 2024 prom.
The school's prom will happen on April 27. According to the school district, Pinky Cole Hayes' foundation will help with funds for the unforgettable night.
“I was the prom queen at my high school, and I cherish the memories I created at my prom. It is important for me to support my community by helping people have experiences that will impact them for the rest of their lives, and I hope that my contribution does just that,” she told the school district.
The donation will help elevate the prom experience for students by helping with attire, catering, decorations, a DJ and more.
Cole Hayes visited the school on Monday, April 22, to announce her donation.
"I’m paying for the entire prom so you don’t have to pay for nothing,” announced Pinky Cole-Hayes the founder of Slutty Vegan, to an auditorium filled of with Mays High School seniors.
The Slutty Vegan Foundation presented a check to the school for more than $10,000. School leaders say will insure students have a wonderful prom experience, prom attire, catering, decorations, a DJ, and souvenirs. The organization is also paying for a few selected students to have their makeup done, as well as providing dresses and tuxedos for those in need.
“Everybody can’t afford prom, so because everyone can’t afford prom, it’s kinda, a thing of, am I going to go or not. And, so when you get the news that a big black company is sponsoring your school, it just kinda gives you, a thing of relief, that now I can go," said student body president Tamar Echols.
In addition to paying a portion of all students’ prom tickets, the group is also donating hygiene kits and haircuts for male students.
“I want them to be able to walk away from this prom experience knowing how important it is to pay it forward, when you elevate, when you realize their wildest dreams, they’ll know to come back to a Mays High School and help out. They’ll know to find a community that’s in need of support and support them,” said Cole-Hayes, who went on to say supporting the students is the least she can do because many of them helped with her success.
Prom will be held this upcoming Saturday.
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