The Dream Come True Prom that began with 40 participants and 40 volunteers six years ago grew to 459 participants, family, friends, staff and caregivers at this year’s event held over the weekend at Castle Ridge in Centralia.
The prom for developmentally disabled was the idea of Carrie Leigh Schnicker, who has found support at two annual fund raisers and from sponsorships from many area businesses. She says many of the attendees look forward to the event throughout the year.
Schnicker explains what happens at the event after participants register.
“They get their tiara, and we also have jewelry they can choose from,” Schnicker said. “Then they go in and they get to start dancing immediately. We have the food and the photography, and most of the time they dance.
Schnicker says each participant also leaves with a goodie bag stocked with items from area businesses and a t-shirt.
TSS Photography took Prom pictures with each participant alongside Marion County Fair Queen Ella Douglas and the Junior Miss Jane Taylor Rose.
Mayor Bryan Kuder was on hand with his wife who is the volunteer coordinator.
“This is one event that my wife and I look forward to each year,” Kuder said. “We love it, and we get to see all of the participants. They smile, they laugh, and they dance. It tugs at your heart strings.
To get ready for prom, the participants have a chance ahead of the event to be fitted with formal wear. The Theme this Year was ‘Prom Is a Tropical Night’.
