Saturday March 10th was a day that residents and members had looked forward to and they were not disappointed! It was the day of the Prom, JSDD’s 2nd Annual Event full of glamour, dance, camaraderie and song. In the weeks leading up to the dance, you could feel the excitement in the air at the WAE Center, in Heidi Gallery during the Coffee House and throughout all the homes.
When the day finally arrived, DSP’s families and caregivers helped residents and WAE Center members primp and prepare for their arrival at Ravello in East Hanover. The beautiful room was imbued with a Luau theme. Everyone selecting their favorite-colored lei to get the party started. The dancing and celebrating were non-stop, the photo booth was busy, the food was delicious, smiles and lots of
laughter filled the room.
While there was a break to eat, it did not mean there was a lull in the party. Resident, Louis asked the DJ for the microphone and serenaded the room with “New York… New York”. His beautiful rendition inspired an impromptu concert. Daniel C. belted out an emotional ballad and Michelle sang her signature song, “Michelle, My Belle”. Josh brought the house down with “I Want it That Way”. Kevin M with the help of WAE Center Senior Manager of Program Operations, Anthonice Lauriston sang “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna! It was the perfect way to wrap up an amazing lunch!
The prom is the vision of Mariah and Jennifer Fay. Jennifer is the Director of Nursing Services while her daughter Mariah worked tirelessly together, to make the day extraordinary. Mariah, a high school senior, applied for and was rewarded with the Hershey Heartwarming Project Action Grant. The grant was used to help fund young people who are advancing inclusion, empathy, kindness, and connection in their communities. This is not the first community event Mariah has organized for the men and women of JSDD. She has previously secured grants for the first JSDD Prom and a fabulously fun bowling event.
To close out the event, JSDD Executive Director, Linda Press thanked the Fay’s for their work planning and bringing the Prom to life. She also asked the crowd if the Prom should become an annual event, the answer was a resounding, heartwarming, “YES!” The guests left tired, happy, with photo strips from the photo booth, luau themed tattoos and already talking about next year’s Prom.
