Fall Ball for developmentally challenged adults needs donations
For the third year, Tammy Moreno is organizing a very special evening for some very special local adults and she needs the community’s help to make it as magical as possible.
Moreno, who has been working with this sector of the community for 30 years, organizes the annual Fall Ball, a sort of prom or formal dance for developmentally challenged adults. The event is sponsored by DIGS and Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation, but Moreno is asking the community’s help in donating formalwear for the adults who may not be able to afford or to pick out their attire for the ball.
“We need dresses, suits, ties, shoes and costume jewelry,” Moreno said. “All sizes and colors and styles are welcome. We want our guests to feel beautiful and handsome and special for the evening.
Moreno said the ball isn’t just a fun and entertaining evening for guests. It’s also an important avenue for them to learn socialization skills,” she said. “They get to meet and greet, dance, listen to music and we even crown and king and queen of the ball.”
Donations can be dropped off at Habitat for Humanity Restore located at 504 E. 1st Ave. Monetary donations are also being accepted and will be used toward food, decorations and entertainment.
“It’s just like their prom,” Moreno said. “They get to dress up in formal wear and they get to be photographed and dance and have a wonderful evening that’s all their own.”
The ball, which will carry a jungle theme, will take place Sept. 28 at the Parker Senior Center. Donations are being accepted through the month of August. At the end of August, Moreno said there will be a giveaway event at which ball attendees can try on clothes and take them home to be used at the event.
She added that she is grateful to the local families and businesses who already donate to the event including florals as well as door prizes.
Close to 60 adults attended last year’s event.
“We could really use these donations to make this a very special night for these wonderful people,” Moreno said. “They get so much joy out of the ball. It takes a lot to put it together but I enjoy it so much because to see the looks on their faces is priceless.”
For additional information about the event or to donate, email agapeach9265@icloud.com