Valentine’s Snow Ball welcomes those with special needs
About 200 people danced the night away at the Valentine’s Snow Ball for youth and adults with special needs on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Zion Methodist Community Church in Buffalo Township.
Church member and dance organizer Becky Ross said 210 people registered for the ball, including 118 people with special needs. The night included a presession in which volunteers did hair, makeup and nails for guests, and served a dinner buffet before the semiformal dance, which was from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
“It is so nice watching people have fun, smile and get up and dance,” said Tim Saxman, another organizer of the dance. “It’s a great time.”
He said volunteering at the ball is “very rewarding” for him as the father of two sons with special needs.
The dance was for youth and adults ages 14 and older. The ball also featured a DJ and a photographer. Ross said the photographer was able to print photos at the ball and put them in small frames for guests to take home.
A church member also created silk centerpieces to raffle off to caregivers.
“It’s really neat to see everybody work together,” Ross said.
According to Ross, it took a group of at least 50 volunteers to put the event together. Among the volunteers were 20 students from the Freeport Area Senior High School Glee Club who set up the event and later danced with guests. Members from Boy Scout Troop 557 also volunteered.
The dinner featured donations of mac and cheese from Smokin’ Toad’s BBQ, chicken from Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market, rolls from Texas Roadhouse, cookies from Eat N’ Park and coffee from Starbucks. The menu also included 100 pounds of mashed potatoes, applesauce and other foods for those with restricted diets.
