For more than 16 years, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 has hosted the annual prom night for the children of the Willis Peters Exceptional Center. Willis Peters is a school for students ages 3-22 with profound disabilities. On Feb. 13, the lodge utilized the Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to again host the prom for students and faculty.
The 2019 theme of “Let’s Blame it on the Boogie” was chosen by the students. The lodge hall was transformed into a disco and everyone came wearing their platforms, leisure suits, bell-bottoms and boogie shoes ready to dance the night away. And these kids can dance! Prom is a night of celebration and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It provides these children the opportunity to be just like other teenagers, dressing up, dancing and just enjoying their special prom night.
Lodge member Dorinda Rountree has been spearheading this annual event for years at the lodge. She is dedicated to these children and each year pulls together a team to transform the lodge into whatever theme the children come up with.
Alex Herring, Kaitlyn Cox and C J Gamble attend the Willis Peters Exceptional Center prom hosted by Brandon Lodge #2383 Feb. 13.