Spring Break
ECU Ambassadors held Special Populations Prom
Event promises "A Night with the Stars"
Jimmy Galloway
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: News
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"[The Ambassadors] see the need for social activities for the special population in Pitt County," said the Ambassadors' press release about the event. "Through a partnership with other campus organizations, we can provide a night for those who never have experienced that special milestone event. It is our goal to make this night one where they feel like royalty."
The theme of the event was "A Night with the Stars," which was evident from the red carpet leading to the door, to the star-studded curtains lining the gym where the dancing took place. There was a giant statue of an Oscar by the entrance, and each table had a roll of "film" and award statuettes on it.
In the gym, there was a stage with "Hollywood" across the top in big letters. DJ Tyler Richardson provided the music for the evening.
Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse catered the event at no cost. Bear Rock Café, McAlister's Deli and Boss Hog's Backyard BBQ donated tea and drinks.
The Boys & Girls Club allowed the Ambassadors to use their building for free.
"We thought about using the Murphy Center, since it's close to campus, but then we thought of everyone having to use the elevator," said Leslie Wheeler, community service sub-chair, when asked why the Ambassadors chose the Boys & Girls Club.
"[The Boys & Girls Club] is very accessible."
She also said the size of the Boys & Girls Club gave them plenty of space, not only for the main dance room, but also for a hair and makeup room, and a guest room.
Discovery Church donated curtains and other decorations, and Salem United Methodist Church raised more than $800 for the event.
Zeta Tau Alpha donated more than $100, as well as makeup and hair supplies. The entire chapter also came out and did hair and makeup for attendees before the prom started.
According to community service chair, Theresa Esslinger, more than 100 organizations responded to the Ambassadors' requests for donations, and they raised well over their fundraising goal of $2,500.
They had hoped to get 100 percent participation from student organizations, with just a $10 donation from each organization, but some organizations chose not to respond. Despite that, more than 72 individuals and organizations donated to the event.
"We even had one person call from Charlotte wanting to donate," Esslinger said.
"We have not had many people say 'no' at all. It's been amazing the support we've had from the community," Wheeler said.
The idea to have a prom for the special population of Greenville first came up last November. It was proposed in December and planning began in January.
"We did this [prom] on a small scale in my hometown," Wheeler said.
"It was more fun for me than my real prom."
While one generally thinks of a prom as consisting of high-school students, for this Special Populations Prom, guests of all ages were welcomed.
By 7:25 p.m., the gym was crowded with dancers and guests. Esslinger officially welcomed all revelers at 7:30; King and Queen were unveiled at 8:15, and the prom continued until 9 p.m.
"[Their families] are just really thankful," Esslinger said.
The ECU Ambassadors is a student-run organization of student leaders. The ECU Alumni Association sponsors them.
It is their mission to serve the ECU community of students past, present and future.
They hope to make the Special Populations Prom an annual event with the support of ECU, the Alumni Association and local businesses.
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jean Heath
posted 4/23/08 @ 7:54 PM EST
My daughter,Deborah was one of the participants in the Prom Saturday night. It was one of the most enjoyable events she has ever attended. She talked about it weeks before and and danced so much tht she didn't even take time to eat. (Continued…)
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