PARC's Senior Prom a Crowning Event!
Participants of PARC's Older Adults Program went "Over the Rainbow" for PARC's Senior Prom on Friday May 16, 2008. Everyone was decked out, looking so beautiful and handsome, and wearing the most stylish thing of all ~ smiles from ear to ear!
The "Over the Rainbow" theme was voted on by the individuals in PARC's Older Adults Program. The prom planning committee put many hours and resources into making this event a very special one. There was an abundance of fine food, live music, and even "tiny bubbles" culminating the crowning of the Prom King and Queen.
How did this event come about?
In the Fall of 2007, the staff of PARC's Older Adults Program came up with the idea to do a "Senior Prom" when conducting a "PARC Memories" session. They were reminiscing about past events...looking through old photos...remembering those who have passed...and they realized how beneficial the act of reminiscing is. Some of the staff stumbled on some photos from a Senior Prom that was held in 1999. They thought it looked so fun and decided they would like to plan one themselves. The "seed" was planted.
Then around Thanksgiving of last year, a large box of neatly ironed neck ties was donated to the Older Adults Program. The first thought was to cut them up to use as turkey tails (that is another story entirely). It was quickly decided that the ties would be put to a more formal use entirely. The staff of Older Adults has grown accustom to "recycling" things. The saying "one person's junk is another person's treasure" holds very true in this case. And so from these little "seeds" - some pictures from 1999 and a box of ties... grew a big, beautiful event!
Why hold a Senior Prom?
Building memories and socializing with friends is an important aspect of feeling vital and having a sense of belonging. PARC focuses on providing choices for a quality life to individuals with developmental disabilities. Making our own choices is something we all may take for granted each and every day. PARC participants were included in every phase of planning for this event. It was, after all, their prom! PARC participants chose the theme, the colors, voted on their King and Queen, and selected their attire for the event.
PARC participants worked with staff and volunteers to raise money for the event through bake and plant sales. They raised over $600 to go towards the event expenses.
Promoting the event was a team effort as well. Mini events were held leading up to the event which included modeling outfits and sending out invitations.
PARC is fortunate to have such dedicated staff, volunteers and friends. Over 75 people worked on the event over several months.
What happened at PARC's Senior Prom?
Everyone had a great time. We dined, we danced, we laughed, we sang, and pictures were taken to provide memories for years to come. The BIGGEST secret was revealed...the Prom King and Queen and their stately Court.
Live entertainment was provided at no charge by Mimi and the Muffins of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Peoria. Mimi Huber, David Lavallee, Nick Fairley, Barb Worsfold, and Todd Hayes kept everyone moving and grooving to their hip and fun beat!
PARC participants were absolutely stunning thanks to the make-up artistry of Kathy Barnfine and to Bobbie's Bridal for donating 73 new gowns to the Prom. Beck's Florist provided flowers for corsages and boutonnieres at a discount. Revelers dined on a fabulously tasty cake donated by the Lake Avenue Kroger store.
Each Senior who attended the prom had their portrait taken by volunteer photographer Emily Davis so the memory of this event can live on for years to come.
View PARC's Senior Prom Photo Album
View the PJStar Photos of the event taken by their photographer Matt Dayhoff who attended the prom
Special thanks go out to everyone who donated their time, energy, creativity, and resources to make this event such a special one! Without caring friends, events like these would simply not be possible.
To learn more about the PARC Older Adults Progarm, contact Beth DeBoer at (309) 689-3679. If you would like to get involved with PARC, contact Sibylle LaHood at (309) 689-3608.
