Under the Sea Gala: An Extra Special Prom at the Summit Area YMCA

The Summit Area YMCA is thrilled to host its annual Extra Special Prom, a magical “Under the Sea Gala” designed exclusively for students with special needs, ages 14 to 28. We need your help to make this an incredible and memorable evening!

This event is more than just a dance, it’s a celebration of joy, inclusion, and connection. It provides a safe, welcoming space where individuals with special needs can express themselves, make new friends, and create lasting memories.

Thanks to Summit Elks Lodge #1246 for their support in making this incredible event possible. 

Event Details:
Location: Berkeley Heights YMCA
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Theme: Under the Sea Gala

Requirements: Mandatory Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, April 30th, 7pm at the BH YMCA.

Join us as a volunteer and help make this an unforgettable night! Whether you assist with decorations, dancing, photo booth or simply cheering on our guests, your support will make a world of difference.

To volunteer, please complete both forms:
Volunteer Form
Volunteer Position Sign Up

Sign up today and be part of something truly special! 

The Under the Sea Gala is more than just a dance—it is a night of inclusion, friendship, and unforgettable moments. A dedicated team of volunteers will be on hand to support attendees, ensuring a welcoming and fun-filled experience for everyone.

Event Details

  • Location: Berkeley Heights YMCA
  • Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Theme: Under the Sea Gala

A Special Evening for Parents & Guardians

While students enjoy the prom, parents and guardians are invited to attend a special dinner designed to foster connection and community. This relaxed gathering provides families with the opportunity to share experiences, meet other parents, and enjoy an evening together.

Registration Information

To ensure an organized and enjoyable event, registration is required:

  • Student Registration Opens: Thursday, March 13 (Capacity: 65 participants)
Registration is FULL! Please join our wait list here: Waitlist Registration Form

A Grateful Partnership

The Summit Area YMCA extends its appreciation to Summit Elks Lodge #1246 for their support in making this incredible event possible. Their commitment to fostering inclusion and strengthening the community ensures that all attendees can enjoy a meaningful and memorable experience. Learn more about their work at summitelks1246.org.

Why the Under the Sea Gala is So Special

A piggy back ride at the extra special prom hosted by the Summit Area YMCA.

The Under the Sea Gala is more than just a dance—it is a celebration of joy, inclusion, and connection. It provides a safe and welcoming space where individuals with special needs can freely express themselves, make new friends, and create lasting memories.

The Summit Area YMCA is committed to fostering opportunities for all individuals to belong, grow, and thrive. The Under the Sea Gala is one of the many ways the Y continues to uphold its mission of building a stronger, more inclusive community.

For questions or additional information, please contact us at info@thesay.org or call (908) 273-3330.

We look forward to welcoming students, families, and volunteers for an evening of celebration at the Under the Sea Gala.

Tiffany Escott

Tiffany Escott

Director of Mission Advancement


tiffany.escott@thesay.org


YMCA NEWS

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA

In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men’s Christian Association, but today, we are The Y; an association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.

Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.

Please note that the section of Maple Street closest to the Summit YMCA will be closed from approximately 7 AM to 11 AM on Sunday, May 5, for our Mother’s Day 5K. Please use Cedar Street to access the public lot that is next to our building.