CRANBERRY TWP — Prom season is the favorite time of year for many high schoolers.

Discovery Christian Church, 988 Route 228, will host a prom of its own May 3 for those aged 16 to 30 in the special-needs community, but “A Night to Remember” is more than just a dance.

The more than 40 attendees with developmental or physical delays will be treated to free dresses, tuxedos, limo rides, hair, makeup, grab bags, dinner and even a paparazzi style entrance.

“We kind of wanted to make it a combination of the prom and the Oscars,” said Discovery Christian Church Pastor Bryan Gratton.

The church began discussing and planning the event in November.

“We saw how churches haven't done a great job at serving the special-needs community, so we thought this would just be a great way to start serving those communities,” Gratton said.

Gratton said Discovery talked to Mission Church in Ventura, Calif., which hosted a prom, and decided to put on one of its own for the greater Pittsburgh area.

“We're a church that prides ourselves in giving back to the community and not just taking,” Gratton said. “We are always looking for ways to just give back.”

The church has been collecting donations of prom dresses from its congregation and also from Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church. The Presbyterian church holds an annual Second Life Prom Dress Sale, where all dresses are sold for $20.

The young women attending Discovery's prom have been able to pick out the dress of their dreams. The church provided a seamstress to do minor alternations to make sure the dresses fit like a glove, while the men will receive free tuxedos.

The event will be at the Twelve Oaks Mansion, 160 Scharberry Lane, Mars. On the day of the event, the attendees will have their hair and makeup done free of charge at either Capelli's of Mars or at the Heritage Creek clubhouse by the Paul Mitchell Academy.

After the pampering is complete, attendees will be chauffeured across the street to the mansion. As they walk the red carpet, photographers eager to get the best shot will surround them.

The partygoers are allowed to bring one guest or caregiver, but many have opted out.

“They are like, 'Oh no they don't want me to come.' They want to do this on their own. They want to have fun. They don't want mom, dad or their caregiver there,” Gratton said.

Every guest however will have a buddy with them throughout the night.

“The buddy's job is just to make sure they have fun,” Gratton said.

Sponsors of the dance have donated grab bags full of gift cards and other items. There will also be door prizes including a week of free camp at Camp Kon-O-Kwee and Pirates tickets.

The 2012 Ms. Wheelchair America Josie Badger will also speak during dinner.

“Prom is often a highlight of junior/senior year of high school, the mecca of style and excitement,” Badger said. “Unfortunately, for many of us, prom was not the magical night we expected.”

Badger, who lives in Pittsburgh, approached Gratton after hearing about the event and asked what she could do to help.

“High school is tough, but being a high schooler with a disability can be even tougher,” Badger said. “This event allows each of us to be ourselves, not worried if someone else has a more expensive dress, dances better, or has a hotter date. We are there to have fun.”

She is going to speak with everyone about her experience with the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant and what it means to be truly beautiful.

“My life, my experiences and my disability are not a mistake, but are only a part of a greater plan,” Badger said. “It is through my fatigued body, my fragile muscles, the 90-degree curve in my back, the ventilator and the wheelchair that I have the amazing opportunity to embrace experiences that are not always pretty but are truly beautiful.”

Gratton said the church is excited to provide the opportunity to share the dance and Badger's speech with those in the community, and he hopes it becomes and annual affair.

“We really want it to be a community event, not just a Discovery event or a church event,” Gratton said.

While Discovery will be paying for most of the $12,000 it cost to put on the dance, it is still looking for sponsors.

“We'd like to get enough stuff for everyone to go home with something in their grab bag,” Gratton said. “Anything that we can give to 65 to 70 special- needs guest in that age range would be appreciated.”

Anyone interested in registering or donating to the event can go online to www.discovertogether.com/anighttoremember or call Gratton at 724-779-1010.