Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java to donate 20% of Wednesday profit to CPHS Special Needs Prom

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java is known for making headlines with their generosity and community involvement. Just two weeks ago they gave away more than 400 free snow cones at the Sand Springs Chillin' and Grillin' festival.

Their latest contribution is planned for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 27th. 20% of all net sales from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM will be donated to the Charles Page High School Special Needs program for use in the 2016 Prom, which is scheduled for May 7th. 

The offer is valid only at the Sand Springs location at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard, and you must present the official flyer for credit. 

"Prom Promise" is an initiative that began six years ago that exists to ensure students with special needs will be able to enjoy the same prom experience as those without disabilities. The program works to provide tuxes and dresses, tickets, dinner before the dance, and transportation to Prom via party bus. The goal is to raise about $2000 by a May 3rd deadline. 

The group has already raised $490 via a "gofundme" account at https://www.gofundme.com/e8v69jgk and they're also accepting checks payable to "Prom Promise" that can be dropped off at the high school office. 

Harper's ties to the special needs community run deep. Harper's is owned by William and Lindsay Nozak who have several family members on staff at The Little Lighthouse in Tulsa, which is a nationally recognized development center for children with special needs. Lindsay, herself, is the Waiting List Coordinator. According to the company, "LLH does not charge tuition and receives money only from private sources, such as foundations and grants."

Harper's Hut is a frequent contributor to the organization and often brings shaved ice for the children throughout the year. "Our family is extremely involved in the lives of our special needs community," says William Nozak. This commitment comes directly from the Harper's Hut core values, which pledge "support toward non-profit organizations promoting family, and Christian values." 

Harper's hosted an entire day of free snow cones last May to raise money for LLH and plans on doing the same this year on May 19th. Harper's was able to reinvest more than $8200 into the community last season and has already contributed more than $2000 to local charities, organizations, and other community centered events this year, not even a quarter of the way into the season.