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Stories That Matter
If Those Dresses Could Talk
By Stephanie Clark
Many dresses were having the time of their life at the Evening of Enchantment Prom for Youth with Disabilities this past May. Yes, you read it right, dresses having the time of their life and making a difference in the lives of youth with disabilities.
Prior to the prom many hopeful prom attendees struggled finding the right dress at the right price. Fortunately, several individuals began to contribute. In fact, 70 formal and semi-formal dresses were donated to Southwest Center for Independent Living (SCIL) for the young women attending to borrow and look their best for the prom.
Donor of twelve dresses, Kim Nye, a Springfield BASE teacher said about donating, “if those dresses could talk, they would tell about dancing, music, everyone smiling and have a good time! The dresses belonged to my daughter Leigh and she would have wanted to share the dresses for other’s happiness.”
Last fall, Leigh and her brother, Matthew, were tragically killed in a car wreck. “Giving the dresses will allow her fun spirit to continue. Leigh and her friends would trade dresses to save money, so donating to SCIL gets those dresses out of the closet and gives other girls a chance to have fun,” said Kim.
“I loved my dress because it made me feel pretty and the limo ride was the best!” said Tabby about the evening. The limo’s were a big hit amoung many attendees.
Ashley, another youth that attended said, “the limo was my favorite and the dress I borrowed made me feel so grown up.”
Fayth’s shared her favorite memory, “it was the best prom ever, I love dancing and wish we could have them all of the time.”
In all, 175 youth with disabilities and 35 youth from Ridgecrest Baptist Church’s youth group attended the inclusive prom. “The Evening of Enchantment is so important to youth with disabilities because they can feel free to be themselves and have a care-free evening,” Nathan Zoromski, Youth Advocate.
SCIL co-hosted the prom with Ridgecrest Baptist Church youth group. The prom included semi-formal attire, buffet dinner, limo rides and professional photographs. Many people brought non-perishable food donations to the free event.
“The most memorable moment was seeing the dance floor full of youth dancing and seeing every single person having a great time!” Krista Talken, Disability Advocate.
SCIL raises funds throughout the year to provide many youth services events, including the Evening of Enchantment Prom, if you would like to contribute or volunteer, please contact us at 417-886-1188. Check out the photo gallery at www.swcil.org.
Did you know?
1 in 14 kids ages 5-20 live with at least one disability in the Ozarks.
Source: 2007 American Community Survey, SCIL’s 8 County service area.
