Special-needs prom event brings big expectations

EAST COUNTY — As she stood in line at Publix last week, Julie Audet couldn’t contain the excitement of her daughter, Jenny.

The 25-year-old repeatedly shouted, “I’m going to prom!” to the cashier, and to her mother, who rather than scolding her for the outburst, smiled and said, “Yes, you are.”

Jenny, and her sister, Laurel, will attend the Night with the Stars Special Needs Prom, to be held 7 to 10 p.m. April 25, at Woodland, The Community Church, 9607 E. State Road 70, Bradenton.

This year’s event, themed “under the sea,” is free to special-needs individuals ages 16 and older in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Organizers expect more than 400 people to attend.

“You see how happy they are and how beautiful they look, and it’s all worth it,” event Chairwoman Mary Anne McDevitt said.

For Audet, a mother of two children with autism, the annual special needs prom gives her daughters something to which they can look forward.

“It’s a dream come true,” Audet said. “The girls never got to participate in proms when they were younger. I was always concerned about safety issues and stigma at other proms.”

The sisters, who share slender body types and who each chose dark, ankle-length gowns, differ on their expectations for the evening.

Jenny hopes her night consists mostly of dancing with friends, while Laurel has romance on her mind.

“I have two dates this year,” Laurel Audet said. “I’m taking Josh and Colton. Yup, I have two dates.”

A collective effort of more than 100 volunteers, restaurants, appliance stores, formal wear retailers and other businesses will help make the night special.

As Audet prepares to help her daughters get ready for their special night, she thinks back to her own prom.

“I went to my prom, and I would much rather go to this one,” Audet said. “It’s so great — an answer to our prayers. This helps them be the best they can be.”

Special-needs prom
When: 7 to 10 p.m., April 25

Where: Woodland, The Community Church, 9607 E. State Road 70, Bradenton

Details: The free event is for special-needs individuals ages 16 and older. A caretaker must accompany all participants.

Info: Mary Anne McDevitt, 742-3972