Second Annual Sweetheart Gala promises an enchanting evening
Feb. 15—The Arc of Haywood County is throwing its second annual Sweetheart Gala next weekend, providing a prom-like soiree for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
"It's a time for them to get together and dance and have a great evening that's just about them," said Todd Barbee, executive director of The Arc. "Many of our clients have never been to a prom, so this is their opportunity."
It's an elegant evening affair. From the moment guests arrive, they are escorted down the "red carpet" to the gala to be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.
A professional photographer will capture the glamor of the occasion — taking pictures of attendees with their dates or with other members of their Arc group home in front of a dazzling backdrop.
Guests will have a catered meal brought out by wait staff and the DJ has a special playlist curated to reel folks out onto the dance floor.
"A lot of them don't go places where they get to check in and say 'party of..' So we have someone that takes them to their table and they'll have a server dedicated to their table who brings drinks and refills," Barbee said.
This year, anticipation for the event began early as clients of The Arc were given the chance to select their attire from a collection of donated dresses from various members of the community.
"Our clients, a lot of all of them, are on a fixed income. We don't want them having to go out and purchase a dress. So this year we had tons of feedback from the community, and a lot of nice dresses," Barbee said.
Amy Radcliffe is an Arc coordinator who works in one of the group homes. She hears first-hand the buzz surrounding the dance.
"I think they're really looking forward to their moment on the red carpet and seeing their friends dressed up and getting dressed up themselves," Radcliffe said. "It makes them feel special and lets them know that the community is there for them."
Arc board member Bill Clement's daughter, Regan, is excited to show off the new navy blue dress she picked out.
"As soon as the date is announced, it's almost as if Christmas is about to be recreated. She gets so excited. Queen for a day, queen of the ball," Clement said. "That's what I would say Regan feels like, is that she's queen for the day."
Shear Attitudes beauty salon in Waynesville, is a key player in getting folks dolled up. The day of the event the shop closes down for free appointments for the gala.
"Being a part of this brings so much joy to our staff. It's like all our friends come over, and we get to get them ready," said Rita Bolin, owner of the salon. "When we're finished and get to see the final look — it is just the most awesome experience. For us we simply do what we love to do and that is to make everyone feel beautiful."
Bolin said the shop is blessed to be a part of the occasion and is also appreciative of the ladies at Belk who donate cosmetic bags for those who want to touch up their makeup at the dance.
The origin of the occasion
The idea for the gala was sparked last year after The Arc staff learned the churches that had sponsored Tim Tebow's Night to Shine event weren't participating. They decided to do something similar on their own.
"It's a labor of love in this case. You're not putting on an event — you're helping bring people to life and smiles to their faces, and joy and happiness and camaraderie and community, all of that stuff," Clement said. "These are just joyous events no matter what it is. Everyone loves getting together. The guys that are in different homes, they don't see each other all that much, but when they get together, they're really tight. It's really cool."
While Arc directly serves 60 clients in its group homes and through its outreach programs that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live more independently, the Sweetheart Gala was thrown open to the entire special needs community.
"We exist to serve not only clients but the whole community," Barbee said.
This year, 152 attendees have registered for the gala.
"They all get excited. They talk to their guardians about it quite often. They talk with the staff about it, making plans, and changing plans, and new ideas of how they're going to do their hair or something. They get really excited about the events," Radcliffe said.
What is Arc?
In addition to operating four group homes in the county that provides housing for 22 individuals, Arc has a community living outreach program that helps lower-functioning adults live independently. The organization also runs a supportive employment program that assists individuals.
"We just want to be a resource for parents and for families who have a family member with IDD," Barbee said. "We don't want clients, people, or families of someone with IDD to feel like they're isolated because it can be very isolating."
Some of the ARC clients have little family help, and some depend entirely on the state for assistance. The organization receives Medicaid funding to help its client base. However, as the cost of living goes up, the nonprofit is relying more on fundraising efforts and volunteers, Barbee said.
"The Arc has never had a very large presence in the fundraising market in Haywood County, and we're gonna have to break into that market just to keep our doors open," Barbee said.
Not providing services for the population Arc serves, however, is not an option Barbee said.
"That would be a travesty. Many of our clients, they're either their own guardian or they don't have family. And, we are their family when they don't have family," he said.
How to volunteer
To volunteer for the Sweetheart gala, sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BAAAB2CA7F9CF8-47377286-sweetheart or email marketing@arcofhaywood.org. To donate or support The Arc, visit www.arcofhaywood.org.
