Nov. 11, 2006 Prom Day
The first annual PROM of the STARS, a formal prom for individuals that are
physically and/or mentally challenged, was held on Saturday, November
15th. We had 214 participants and parents/caregivers pre-registered, and
about 120 volunteers in attendance. It was an exciting evening, and a
very rewarding one for all that participated. It gave each of us that
volunteered an opportunity to show compassion to members of our community
in a way that truly ministered to their needs. As our press releases have
indicated, according to CENSUS 2000 figures, there are 71,656 people in
Knox County that are physically or mentally challenged in some way, an
astounding 18.76% of our population. The fact is that we could not have
pulled it off without the support of volunteers like you. We recognize
that your time is valuable and we appreciate your willingness to help
a vast segment of our community during this special annual event. We hope
you got an opportunity to read the article in the Knoxville News Sentinel
on Monday, November 17th, and see the pictures of the joyful participants.
Your participation and interest made a difference in people's lives that
night that they are still talking about.
We have received numerous phone calls and e-mails thanking the church
and the volunteers that supported the prom for their involvement. Here
are just a few we wanted to pass on.
We expect the prom to be even bigger next year and we hope you will consider
participating again. We plan to hold next year's prom on November 13,
2004. Based on the comments we've received, we expect to double the size
of the prom next year. We'll make next year even more special thanks to
people like you!