Prom of the Stars 2017

4 March 2017

Prom dresses . . . waiting to be fitted

This is one of the coolest events I've ever been involved with . . . a prom . . . for mentally and physically challenged adults. Back in the late 1990's a member of our church, Jim Riner, ran across an event much like ours in another state. He had such a heart for this segment of our society and thought it would be a wonderful idea for our church to sponsor something like it. He got it off the ground in 2003. Originally held in the basement of the Holiday Inn here it town, we hosted about 150 participants . . . dinner was thrown together by volunteers . . . it was a beautiful night! The venue has moved several times, and one year it was even held in the youth center of another local church.

Today our convention center donates the space . . . a beautiful ballroom . . . it holds up to 1200 participants.

This year's prom was a sold out event!!

Sadly Jim Riner passed away just a few years after he watched his dream take place, and we miss him terribly. His daughter Jessica now heads it up, and his wife, along with a couple of his sons attend every year.

Here are some photos from this year:

Table's set . . . waiting on our guests

Great Grammy's table

We chose to have friends and family donate money in your Great Grammy's name in lieu of flowers . . . there was enough to sponsor an entire table!

Dinner's on . . . and they're waiting for the music to start . . . dancing is the highlight of the evening

Selfie with one of the ladies

Our DJs for the night . . . Jonathan, Aaron, and Dane

Most years ALL my kids make it to Prom . . . this year only Kimberly, Kourtney, Jenna, and Erika made it!

Our photography crew after finishing up!

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen ~ 1 Peter 4:7-11