FUN Organizers Invite Guests To Dress Up For ‘Prom’
Parents and caregivers of local children and teens on the autism spectrum, and with other developmental disabilities, will have a chance to dress up and show off during a Families United In Newtown (FUN) “prom” party and meeting Sunday, February 20.
Coming on the heels of a very successful “Birthday Bash Bonfire” event January 30 that collected boxes of necessities and helped produce over 80 Valentine’s Day cards for armed services members, FUN co-founder Linda Jones quickly pivoted to organizing the upcoming “prom” themed meeting along with organization volunteers, including dozens of Newtown High School National Honor Society students who are supporting the effort.
The prom party, which runs from 3 to 5 pm at the Newtown Congregational Church at 14 West Street, will feature a light dinner and dessert, dancing, games, a craft project, photo booth, and a chance to “walk the red carpet,” showing off attendees’ prom fashions.
First Selectman Dan Rosenthal has been invited to crown the Prom King, Queen, Prince, and Princess at around 3:45 ahead of dinner service.
Founded by Jones and her husband, Duane, FUN offers supervised social and recreational activities for young people with developmental disabilities as well as those on the autism spectrum, while helping to raise awareness about autism and funds to support autism research. The Joneses — parents to Lindsey, Austin, and Tyler — turned the tragedy of Tyler’s untimely passing in 2009 into a positive living memorial for their son to help bring special needs families together in a safe and welcoming place.
At each FUN meeting, families are paired with an NHS National Honor Society student who spends time with the kids, giving the parents a much-needed break. Any and all are welcome at FUN meetings. The organization is also grateful for tax-deductible donations to help underwrite the expense of activities, which are all offered free to participants.
To register for this free activity, visit bit.ly/FUNPROM — and to learn more about the organization, to volunteer, or contribute to help underwrite this and other FUN activities, go to familiesunitedinnewtown.org, or the group’s Facebook page, or call 203-512-6284.