Registration for the second annual Spring Special Prom Night, an event for adults with disabilities, is underway for the event that will be held on Friday, March 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) in Martinsville.
Laura Steere, of Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch, a 501©3 animal educational non-profit, said she decided to start the event last year because a similar experience offered by a different agency was put on hold for about three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We felt that this was just such an amazing opportunity, and we said we’re doing to do one locally,” Steere said. “We reached out to the museum, and they very quickly and willingly said they would donate the space for it.”
As she talked to other community partners, Steere said other donations came in just as quickly.
“We’ve gotten flowers and corsages, boutonnieres, crowns and tiaras, a red carpet, table decorations, balloon archways, food, and even a limo ride, all donated to make this an amazing prom event. Last year was flat-out magical,” she said.
Steere estimated 65 guests and nearly as many volunteers attended last year’s event.
“Our goal was to have almost a one-to-one match so that people would have people to help them getting their food plates, being seated, and escort them through the red carpet, and dance with them on the dance floor,” she said. “Everyone kind of had a special chaperone to help make their evening more exciting.”
She said she hopes to have around 100 participants and volunteers this year.
A photographer will be at the event for free portraits. Hairdressers and
manicurists also will have a “pretty station” to help guests get touched up before their entrance on the Red Carpet.
“Everything is based on making their night spectacular,” Steere said, adding the event is free for the guests of honor. Group homes, parents, and guardians transport guests to and from the museum.
“Everything else is our treat to our guests,” Steere said. “So, it’s really made to honor our guests at no expense. This is a community event. We’re the coordinators, but it is a total community effort” with numerous people volunteering.
Sponsors and those who have donated include VMNH, Molina Healthcare, Jones & DeShon Orthodontists, Infinity Acres Ranch & 4-H Club, DJ Smiley, Wright Funeral Home, Dawson Photography, Martinsville Rotary Club, Fidelity Bank, Hugo’s, Los Nortenos, Jerry’s Pizza, YMCA, BETA Clubs,
and other community volunteers.
The deadline to register is Feb. 28. To register, visit www.InfinityAcres.org.
To volunteer, donate, or sponsor, call or text Steere at (276) 358-2378.
