Organizers gear up for special-needs prom

MANATEE COUNTY — With summer approaching, residents of Community Haven for Adults and Children could be talking about summer vacations, walking along the beach or other personal endeavors.

Instead, their attention is turned to an annual event for which they spend hours preparing — the Night with the Stars Prom.

“They love it,” said Brad Jones, community living coordinator for CHAC, who will be taking 23 residents to the prom this year. “We do a lot here. (Residents) go on vacations and cruises, but is one of their favorites (events all year). They can get all dressed up. They don’t get much of that, so it’s unique.”

The Night with the Stars Prom, a formal prom night for special-needs individuals ages 16 and up in Manatee and Sarasota counties, will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. June 8, at Woodland The Community Church, 9607 S.R. 70 E. This year’s dance is themed “Night at the Castle.”

Attendees should pre-register by June 1. Guests will enjoy food and drink, dancing and other festivities in an atmosphere geared to accommodate individuals with special needs.

“This event is very exciting,” said Woodland’s Holly McAndrew, who is helping with the event and whose son, Thomas, has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. “My son otherwise would not go to a social (event such as the prom).”

Organizing committee members said they can’t wait to welcome guests to the prom next month and are finalizing last-minute details and securing donations.

“We have gratitude to the community for supporting this and helping it get bigger and better every year,” co-organizer Susan Myers said. “It takes a team (to put this together).”

Organizers said they still need volunteers to help with the event and are hoping for medical professionals to attend in case a medical emergency arises. They also are seeking donations of food, shoes, men’s formalwear and ladies formalwear sizes 12 and up.

For information on volunteering or to register for the prom, individuals should email [email protected] or call Mary Anne McDevitt at (754) 224-0307 or 742-3972.

The prom, now in its fourth year, previously has been held at Faith Christian Church, which closed earlier this year. McAndrew said Woodland plans to host the prom annually.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

Night with the Stars Prom
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 8
Where: Woodland The Community Church, 9607 S.R. 70 E., Bradenton
Details: Prom open to special-needs individuals ages 16 and up in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
RSVP: [email protected] or call Mary Anne McDevitt at (754) 224-0307 or 742-3972