HMS student plans a party with a purpose

Max Ross can often be found cheering on basketball teams at The Exceptional Foundation and dancing with the center’s participants during halftime. The eighth grade Homewood Middle School student first got involved with the center’s work with adults with special needs through Homewood Men Striving for Success under Coach Steve Sills, but now he is planning something of his own for his friends there.

With the help of his mom’s event planning skills, Max is inviting the community to his 14th birthday party at the center, to raise money for its programs. As he announced in a special YouTube video, Max’s Party for a Purpose 2014 will take place April 4 from 6-8 p.m. All attendees are asked to make a minimum $5 donation to the Exceptional Foundation for admission.

His weekly videos with updates are a team effort. His mom writes the scripts, his dad films and edits them at his media studio, and Max, who has been acting since age 7 and featured in commercials, brings them to life on screen.

Max is hoping friends from his different involvements will join him, as will families from the community and his friends from the center. Coach Steve Sills will be the DJ for the dance party, and Homewood businesses are donating food and drinks. There will also be a photo booth.

While his mom helps secure sponsorships and volunteers, Max is thinking about game ideas and possibly asking everyone who comes to wear pajamas or a weird hat.

“I am looking forward to making people happy,” he said. “I want people to come and have a good time.”

For more, find Max’s Party for a Purpose 2014 on Facebook.