By: Macy Menefee

The Upshur County Special Olympics began hosting a prom circa 2017 as a celebration and social gathering for participating athletes. Today this tradition has expanded to include volunteers and support across four West Virginia counties.

Prom is hosted the last Saturday of every January with this year being no exception. Invites were posted and RSVPs came flooding in with the thrill of a “Roaring Twenties” theme gala and news that for the first time in prom’s history that it would be held at the Opera House. For past years Upshur County Special Olympics president, Alisa Lively, has been able to secure a location at West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Social Hall or Performing Arts Center. 

This year an extra effort was made to fundraise which was made possible through the generous donation of a YETI cooler that was then raffled off raising approximately $3,000. In addition, community connections were built through visits to local businesses that secured another $1,300. With all the generosity and support that was shown, enough funds to cover the expenses of an off-campus event and CJ Maggie’s catering. 

Gratitude from the athletes families was shown not only at the event but across the Special Olympics Upshur County Facebook page as well. A special thank you was given from Patsy Howell, one of the more involved athletes’ mothers, in which she said, “Thank you Macy Menefee for making this night one these wonderful people will never forget! It was spectacular!”

Not only is this event run strictly through donations but is operated through volunteers. There are a variety of people who choose to spend their day assisting with hair, makeup, and sewing as well as donating their services such as Balloons by Kiley, JB Photo and DJ Princess.

“Seeing this magnitude of effort coming from the community just further confirms to these athletes that there are countless people outside of their immediate circles who are committed to providing opportunities for inclusion” said Reno Swinger, long time volunteer.

Swinger returns every year because, “This night is a night to remember and every year, it only gets better.” 

It’s people like this who allow for these events to run smoothly and make these events such a success. This night had a large turnout with approximately 75 people. People are raving about it online with special appreciation for Joey Baxa’s photos stating, “Thank you so much for these pictures! You have no idea what they mean to me” said a comment on Facebook.

If interested check the Special Needs Prom page located on Facebook or reach out to your local athletes about how you can help support them!

Photo Credit: JB Photo