BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – Casey Burke and her mom Joanna Burke sat together getting ready for the Extra Special Prom on Thursday.
“Mom let’s put some eyeshadow on, let me look, let me look!” Casey said.
“Oh you look beautiful,” her mother said.
The Burkes, trying on a couple of dresses and makeup looks prepared for the night ahead. But the most exciting part for Casey was that she had a date, according to Joanna. After learning her friends were not attending the event, Casey was thrilled to know she would have company for the night.
“She was looking forward to going on a date and experiencing the prom. She has three siblings, two brothers and sisters and she saw them all get ready for prom,” Joanna said. “What a wonderful way, you know, to have them join and be excited.”
The Berkeley Heights YMCA hosted the Extra Special Prom on Thursday, May 30, from 6-8:30 pm. 62 students and their buddies for the night attended the galaxy-themed prom. The event, powered by 170 volunteers, entertained students with dancing and parents with dinner, according to Tiffany Escott the Director of Mission Advancement.
When the students arrived at the YMCA they met their prom date and were whisked away on a limo ride around the parking lot. They received a corsage or boutonniere while walking down the red carpet, stopping to take pictures with their date at the photo opportunity. Once inside, another red carpet welcomed them leading to a scene of waving hands and cheering on their way to the dance floor.
Most buddies were volunteers, but some attended with their loved ones. Angelina Massei went with her twin brother to the Extra Special Prom. She picked him up early from school and they got ready together.
“Not a lot of places let everyone be included. This is a perfect event like even walking in how they crown them and that huge applause just felt so heartwarming to like me as a sister too,” said Angelina Massei. “He’s just my best friend.”
The event had a photo booth and a DJ that kept the dance floor hot all night. While the students partied in the gym, the parents were invited to a free dinner in the multipurpose room. The dinners served to the parents and students were donated from Village Trattoria.
At any point, if the students felt overwhelmed or needed a break from the music, they could go into the lobby to play with any of the three dogs brought to the YMCA by creature comfort pet therapy. A quiet room with drawing and games was also available in the kid zone center.
The YMCA worked to make the event as affordable as possible for the families, according to Escott. Adams in New Providence and the YMCA paid for the tuxes of those who could not afford them. “It’s an opportunity for them just to kind of get out there and not be judged by anyone and have an amazing time,” Escott said. “A lot of our volunteers keep coming back year after year because they know how impactful this event is on them. They have as much fun as the students have.”
The Summit Area YMCA, along with the main sponsor, Summit Elks Lodge #1246, and many local businesses, worked together to make this event a true success. The support from Summit Elks and local businesses like Delicious Heights, Taylor Rental/Party with Us, Two Fields Bake Shop, Anything Floral, Balloon Design Studio, and Thoro Entertainment was crucial. Their generous contributions of time, talents, and resources made everything possible. Plus, with over 170 volunteers pitching in, the event truly embodied the YMCA spirit of coming together for the community. This teamwork highlighted the strength of our community and how we can achieve great things when we unite.
