Mom panhandles for son's tuition

  

September 7, 2009 (BELLEVUE, Wa.) (WLS) -- A mother in Washington State is panhandling on an off-ramp to help her son follow his dreams.

"Tuition help needed! Donate a few dollars!" said Shelle Curley.

D.J. Strong, 17, was accepted to one of the most prestigious dance schools in the country. But even with $45,000 scholarship, his out-of-work, single mother can't afford to send him. So Curley has been standing on an off-ramp in Bellevue so her son's big break won't slip away.

"She really loves me a lot. And she really believes in me. And she will do anything, like, beg on the side of a freeway," said D.J.

Curley makes up to $45 an hour- but says it's competitive. She sometimes gets into fights to stand on the profitable corner.

Get more National/World »

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•