By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
One day while at work, DeLisa Beane was thinking about how to give back to the community when the words, “Beautiful Rose” popped into her head.
The 25-year-old Beane, a 2010 graduate of Groveport Madison High School, took that idea, coupled it with her interest in fashion, and formed Beautiful Rose, a non-profit organization that seeks to uplift and empower young women who are role models, but who may have limited finances.
“I came up with the concept of Beautiful Rose by observing the blossoming of a rose,” said Beane. “A rose blossoms slowly, but consistently, by carefully exposing each petal. This is how I saw a young girl, as a rose blossoming into a young powerful woman carefully exposing her gifts, her confidence, her sense of self. I want to help empower the next generation.”
One way Beautiful Rose assists young women is to help those who wish to attend their high school prom, but who may not be able to afford the cost involved. The foundation selects one girl each year to help attend the formal dance. Beane said Groveport Madison High School student Raaya Cummings was selected this year.
“Beautiful Rose pays for her dress, hair, make-up, nails, shoes – everything from head to toe – providing everything necessary to make that day special and memorable,” said Beane.
Beane said students must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the program. They must maintain a 2.3 GPA, have good attendance, good behavior, have a financial need, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and answer questions on an application.
“Raaya stood out,” said Beane. “She deserves to have this wonderful experience. When we surprised her she was at a loss for words because she didn’t expect to be chosen. I love seeing people smile and helping to make their dreams come true.”
Beane said this year Apresha Williams of Kaybee Beauty helped with make-up, Beck Mancini, owner of Maggie and Me, donated the shoes, and Nicole Bates provided nail and manicure service.
Groveport Madison High School principal Dr. Jaivir Singh praised DeLisa Beane and her Beautiful Rose program.
“This is the first year that they have offered the prom support to one of our students, Ms. Raaya Cummings,” said Singh. “I think it is a very nice gesture from the Beautiful Rose program and a great way to give back to the community and empower and uplift young ladies. It helps young ladies to feel supported and proud of their community.”
Beane said she’d like to expand the program to include a male next year as well as possibly branch off to include more schools.
She said currently Beautiful Rose is funded by herself and her family, but she is hoping to attract sponsors and is also selling Beautiful Rose t-shirts to help raise funds.
Beane said the goal of Beautiful Rose is to make a positive impact on the lives of young ladies and to give support, confidence and hope
“We want to help underprivileged young ladies feel special, and beautiful like the young queens we know they are,” said Beane. “Senior prom comes once in a lifetime and we want to make it exceptional and memorable.”
For information or to donate to Beautiful Rose, visit https://squareup.com/store/beautiful-rose.
