The 250 teens and adults with autism, and other special needs, had these same feelings at the 7th Annual Autism Cares Foundation on Friday, May 19.
This prom, with an "Under the Sea" theme, was a truly magical night for everyone involved.
The cafeteria at Council Rock High School South, Southampton, was filled with blue and white balloons as well as large balloons shaped as dolphins and angel fish, provided by Party Fair, Newtown.
The centerpieces were made by the Autistic Support Class at Council Rock High School North, and the hand-painted crepe paper squid decorations were made by the members of the Day Habilitation program of the Autism Cares Foundation.
The mouth-watering Italian buffet was provided by B&T Catering, and the dance music, which led to Conga lines and many other festive dances, was from Dolan DJs.
Everyone in attendance had the opportunity of having a keepsake photos taken by On the Spot Memories. The young men received white carnation boutonnieres and the young ladies were given coral-colored bouquets of flowers, all from the Newtown Floral Company.
"Seeing how lovely the young women look, and how handsome the young men look, fills me with such joy," said Linda Kuepper, Co-Founder and CEO of Autism Cares Foundation.
"When I see this beautifully-decorated room, and how happy everyone is," she said, "these are the moments that will stay with me, and everyone involved in the Autism Cares Foundation, for a lifetime."
For most local teens, dressing up and gathering with friends to attend that all important rite-of-passage known as the prom is something many of us can take for granted.
But for those with autism, as well as other special needs, sensory concerns and other issues can get in the way during a typical event. Having a heart-felt group like the non-profit Autism Cares Foundation means a great deal to the annual prom participants and their families.
Since 2008, the Autism Cares Foundation has provided more than 1,000 free
programs, events and life enrichment opportunities for children, teens, and adults with autism, and other special needs, and their family members. The local prom is one of these well-attended events.
The love and support from the families and the 40 volunteers showed in every detail. Before the actual prom, six high school girls from a new non-profit, Home by Midnight, worked their magic, by providing hair and make-up services for the young ladies who were interested.
Among the dedicated prom volunteers was 16-year-old Stephanie Mishler, of Newtown, and five of her local friends, who enjoying primping and pampering the young ladies, while their mother's watched with pride.
A few years ago, Stephanie was thinking about the Autism Cares Foundation Prom and wanted to provide hair and make-up services to the young ladies so they would have a special "princess moment," at the unique prom. "I love seeing them so happy; that's the best feeling in the world."
Val Murphy, of Southampton, was close by when local teenager Hannah Grant put her 20-year-old daughter Erin's hair in braids. "Erin is so excited about being here," Murphy said. "She loves the dancing at the prom and being here with her friends. This is just a perfect night!"
