The annual special needs prom had a Wizard of Oz theme.
By
Jessica Salmond
| 9:05 p.m. April 15, 2016
East County
Neighbors
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Ruby-red slippers and cowardly lions spotted the dance floor Friday night.
Local special needs children and adults and their dates and families gathered at Woodland Community Church for the annual Night with the Stars Special Needs Prom. This year, volunteers dressed up as characters from the Wizard of Oz and dances with attendees.
For Eileen Bond, it's a time to hang out with one of her friends, Luke Garske. The two used to attend Oak Park School in Sarasota together, and they've been coming to the dance for 10 years. Luke's mom, Sally, said Eileen finds Luke in the crowd every year.
"She finds him and claims him, and he loves it," she said.
Lakewood Ranch Leaders volunteer Rachel Towe dances the YMCA with Zach Rubin.
Volunteers Paul Taylor and Ginny Calcutti
Philip Knox of Parrish and Jessica Prince of Sarasota have been dating for 14 years.
The table centerpieces were mini Emerald Cities made from recycled toilet paper rolls.
Eileen Bond and Luke Garske of Sarasota always hang out at the prom together.
Hank Allison of Bradenton dances with Antonia Mercado of east Bradenton.
Prom goers dance to the YMCA.
Izzy Quiming and Fred Gilliland dance to "Wobble Baby."
Matthew Griffin of Sarasota walks the red carpet.
Kristen Griggs of Lakewood Ranch shows off her moves.
Braden River High School Key Club volunteer Vincent Kersey and Manny Galan join in the train.
Ginny Calcutti as Dorothy gives April Beckham a high-five.
Lily Dunn, a Sarasota Military Academy student volunteer, decorates Jennifer Maurer of Lakewood Ranch's wheelchair with lights.
Laurel Audet of Lakewood Ranch dances with Eugine and Ophelie Portner, volunteers from Inspiration Academy.
Tonya Waxler greets prom goers as Glenda the Good Witch.
