OUR STORY
The Makeup on Wheels Foundation was founded by Stephanie Debes, who is part of the disabled community herself. As a person with Cerebral Palsy, Stephanie has experienced first hand the lack of support that her community endures. Refusing to allow other people to decide her destiny, Stephanie has made it her mission to carve out a new future for not only herself, but any person who has a disability.
Stephanie is a graduate of St. John’s University with a BA in Hospitality Management and Event Planning; Make-Up Design as a certified beauty and special effects makeup artist, and a NYS Licensed Esthetician with mentorship by Christine Valmy.
Despite her education and specialization in the beauty field, potential employers could not see past her disability. As a result, The Makeup On Wheels Foundation was established with the ultimate goal to raise awareness that people with disabilities can be capable, productive members of society when given the opportunity to succeed.
Rather than wait for these opportunities to present themselves, Stephanie Debes creates them herself with the help of the members and supporters of The Makeup On Wheels Foundation.
OUR MISSION
At the Makeup on Wheels Foundation, our mission is rooted in the belief that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to thrive as a valued member of society. Established in 2020, we are committed to raising awareness and advocating for the empowerment of people with disabilities. Our aim is to provide comprehensive support, encompassing medical assistance, personal care, access to assistive technology, and educational and vocational training. Through our dedication, we strive to foster independence, inclusion, and dignity for all those we serve, ensuring that each person can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Since its inception, The Makeup On Wheels Foundation has donated:
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Sensory Room/Pathway, Machinery for ACES Program Custom Merchandising Store, and Sensory/Therapeutic Giveaways for 3,000+ students at Susan E. Wagner High School
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100 Tickets to Flip Circus for Girl Scout Troop 75312
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Honored 22 people at Annual Galas for 2022 & 2023
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Holiday Gifts for a medically fragile individual with multiple disabilities
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10 Letter boards to individuals with Apraxia and Autism who spell to communicate
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Makeup Services to 25+ people with various disabilities at Abilities Expo
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Adaptive bike to a person with Cerebral Palsy
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Installed Adaptive Equipment into car for woman with Cerebral Palsy
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Medical expense coverage for a 6th time cancer patient
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Wheelchair lift for a child with Cerebral Palsy
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Toys to stimulate find motor skills to a child with Cerebral Palsy
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Tickets to two concerts (Harry Styles & The Jonas Brothers)
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Tickets to comedy show (comedian, Eric D'Alessandro)
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Tickets to a local football team (NYCFC)
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Dance lessons for six individuals with various disabilities
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Gifted a "Day of Beauty" Hair & Makeup Makeover to 3 disabled people
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Makeup Services for 10 students at the First Children's School Prom
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Makeovers for five disabled people at Spectrum Care Management & Counseling Facility for Fall Festival
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Girl Scout Cookies from Girl Scout Troop 75312 to PS37R
Our long-term goal was to assist 5,000 people by 2026, fostering independence and inclusion in society.
*As of March 25th, 2024, The Makeup On Wheels Foundation has successful reached and exceeded this long term goal by servicing over 3,139+ individuals in need.
PEOPLE SERVICED: 3,138+
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
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HOW TO SUPPORT
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A special THANK YOU to our yearly sponsors:
BEAUTY
SFX
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PORTFOLIO
TESTIMONIALS
"Stephanie did a fabulous job with my sister Doris’s makeup for her 45th Elementary School Reunion 💜 She was super accommodating and professional 💜 Doris loved every minute of the pampering and truly was the Belle of the Ball 💜 Thank you Stephanie 💜 She looked beautiful 💜".
~ Tina Villegas
"Stephanie was amazing on time worked so well with our designers and models. She’s patient tolerant knowledgeable and I’m looking forward to working with her again at the fashion week experience."
~ James Corbett
"Stephanie did an amazing job with my makeup for a fashion show this spring. She was professional, interactive and knows how to blend makeup nicely for women of color. I highly recommend Stephanie to my fellow models and beyond."
~ Angelique J.
"Stephanie and I have collaborated on more than a dozen photo shoots. She's a pleasure to work with. She's professional, courteous, easy to talk to and above all: good at what she does. She knows how to make a client feel at ease and how to execute the perfect look. Highly recommended!"
~ Michael Pelczar
