Community Corner
Be Our Guest: Prom For People With Special Needs To Return In Vienna
After a memorable experience last year, Be Our Guest prom for people with special needs will return. The event is seeking volunteers.
![Vienna Presbyterian Church is hosting the Be Our Guest prom for people with developmental differences for a second year.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/22924509/20240409/043859/styles/patch_image/public/image011___09163633005.png)
VIENNA, VA — After a Vienna church gave people with special needs a prom night they can't forget, the event will return for a second year in 2024. Volunteers are needed to ensure another memorable experience for guests and their families.
Vienna Presbyterian Church will host the second annual Be Our Guest Prom for people with special needs on Friday, April 26. The event is geared toward people with developmental differences and their families. Guests attend with a buddy to allow parents or guardians.
"We will offer a full evening of dinner, dancing, karaoke, a glow room, crowns, tiaras and a spotlight photo – we want our guests and their parents or caregivers to know they are loved and valued," Vienna Presbyterian Church's director of missions Sue Hamblen told Patch. "Parents and caregivers are invited to stay and enjoy a meal along with a bit of respite while their loved one is well cared for."
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Last year, the guests and their buddies "had a blast," according to Hamblen.
"Several parents expressed gratitude sharing that their kids had never had an experience like that night," Hamblen said. "Similarly, the parents thought they’d just wait for the party to be over, but we provided a wonderful meal and an evening of respite care for them. Plus, the volunteers also loved the event!"
Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
![](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/22924509/20240409/043523/styles/raw/public/processed_images/image002.png)
At this year's event, volunteers are needed for numerous tasks, including pre-prom setup and after-prom cleanup to reset the venue for church service. The organizers are hoping to get some volunteers from outside the church to help. Sign up to volunteer here.
The event is sponsored by the church, so it is free to attend. Like last year, Vienna-based One Neighborhood Foundation is helping to provide food for the event.
Hamblen encourages residents to spread the word about the prom to those who would like to attend. Sign up to attend as a guest or buddy here.
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