Christmas lights shone like stars against the glow of blue light as children and adults in elegant gowns mingled. This was, after all, a ball. But it was more than a simple ball, this was the 1st Annual Princess for a Lifetime Enchanted Ball.
As the final preparations were setup, Tynesha Hendricks, founder of Princess for a Lifetime, expressed how she never imagined holding a ball for her non-profit that she founded just three years ago. Their mission statement is “to bring joy and excitement to children living with life threatening illness through dressing up and imaginative play.”
“Even though it’s only one day, it gives the children and their families a chance to relax, get their minds off of thier struggles, and allows them to just be kids.” said Hendricks.
Hendricks organization works with several hospitals throughout the Bronx to host a day in which children can dress up as their favorite superheros or as royalty. The day, also, includes fun activities like games, dancing, arts and crafts. Tonight’s event featured dressing up, dinner, and dancing. Children had the opportunity to get their makeup done by 
Priscilla Ayala Makeup Artistry or to take a picture in front of a green screen by Joseph Martinez of Jupiter Joe’s Sidewalk Astronomy.
“At the heart of our outreach program are children, children who have imagination and who see a brighter world above us.” said Joseph Martinez when asked why he participated in the event. “While my primary outreach is astronomy based, there are times, like this, where I can use my resources to make the children shine like the stars.”
As volunteers prepared the Andrew Freedman Home for the night’s festivities, some children played while others appeared more hesitant. It was clear that this was the first time these children had ever been to a Princess for a Lifetime event. Sensing their shyness, the other children took their time introducing themselves and others as well as asking if they would like to join in on activities. A sense of comradery was fostered in the environment, especially when the older children would ask the younger ones what they could do to help them.
After dinner and some dancing, the main event of crowning the princes and princesses took place. Sponsors of the night’s event were asked take part of the crowning ceremony. Jaime Feliberty of Friends of Soundview Park crowned Prince Byron, Tasha Harris of YouNique Blessings crowned Princess Olivia, Gina Gonzalez of G Sweets crowned Princess Mia, and Douglas from Frank Bees crowned Prince Marcus. Priscilla Ayala crowned two Princesses: Giselle and Yasmin. Ristako Stojanov and Ingrid Medina crowned Princess Alliyah.
Miriam Tabb, representative of Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner had the honor of crowning Princess Niomi. The night’s honorary speaker, Nilka Martell of G.I.V.E. (Getting Involved, Viginia Ave Efforts) crowned Princess Marisol.
Marisol Santiago, one of those crowned that night, is Hendrick’s daughter. At the age of 4, Marisol was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma and had to spend long periods of time at the hospital. During these times, Hendrick’s would bring in costumes which Marisol began to share with other patients. “I asked my mom to promise to always bring laughter to kids like me. To make them happy, to help them forget, to give them memories to last a lifetime. Even during hard times, I want everyone to know that everything is going to be ok.”
Sponsor’s of Princess for a Lifetime’s Enchanted Ball were:
-Sapito’s
-Friends of Soundview Park
-YouNique Blessings
-G Sweets
-The Bronx Chronicle
-Jupiter Joe’s Sidewalk Astronomy
-LaurAlvarez
-Lincoln Medical Center
-AHRC New York City
-ASCB and Latin Lenz Photography
-Valeria Irizarry
-Priscilla Ayala
-G.I.V.E.(Getting Involved, Viginia Ave Efforts)
-Frank Bee’s
-Andrew Freedman Home
The Bronx Chronicle was proud to be a sponsor for Princess for a Lifetime!
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