By Karole Passmore

Jennie, in Pink, Winner of the GoWayneCounty.com Gift Bag & Mary Grace

As soon as the DJ started the music, people of all ages were up and dancing with bright smiles.  It was the beginning of a great night for everyone.

Michelle Satterfield of the Independent Living Center shared, “We really had a very good time. Thank you so much to everyone that attended.” The dance was a major culminating event to celebrate Disability Awareness Month.

Later in the evening many people joined in enthusiastically with Karaoke, belting out songs that meant a lot to them.  Some in groups and others singing solo–all were excited to participate even if it was their first time.

Lucia Stewart, on right, from Earlham College, Dancing With Jennie & Other Guests

Earlham Student volunteers helped with serving food, entertaining guests, checking coats and all sorts of other things to make the evening go smoothly.  Many thanks must be given to them for all their hard work and enthusiasm.

Jennie, who was the winner of the GoWayneCounty.com gift bag which included a bear from the Wayne County Tourism Bureau, had a wonderful time dancing in her new dress.  Her mother, Susan Kuhens, wrote later that “It was an absolutely awesome night for everyone.”

Missy Watts, Behind Local Businesses Door Prize Table, From The Independent Living Center

Many other wonderful businesses donated door prizes including: Reid Hospital, Readmore etc., Starbucks, RiverRats, Cosmotique, Warm Glow Candles, Medfit, Fecher’s Panache, Showroom Details, and the Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana.  Financial contributions were made as well and the list of the generous businesses can be seen at the ILC Facebook site, along with pictures from the dance.

Joe’s Pizza, Mercurios, and Chipotle

Some of the food was donated by Joe’s Pizza, Mercurios, and Chipotle, while the rest was prepared by the RHS cafeteria. (thanks to Maggie for help with coordinating food and Andy with set up and tear down and everything in between-and RHS for donating the Space).

Three beautiful cakes were made and donated by Beth Makovic from “Carpe Diem Cakes,” including one with a rainbow and children, another with flowers and one filled in the center with fresh strawberries.  Of course, they were a big hit.

Having Fun With Karaoke

There were also high school volunteers from RHS, under the direction of Chris Lopresti,  who came in the night before and transformed the cafeteria into a “dreamy” venue.  The room was decorated with stars, trees lit with tiny white lights and a beautiful sign at the entry welcoming all to the dance.

Mayor Sally Hutton and Christi Gigliotti, Director of IL Services at Independent Living Center

Mayor Sally Hutton arrived a bit later, after attending two other community engagements, to thank everyone who organized the Dream Keepers Dance.  This first annual dance was brought to the community by the partnership of the Independent Living Center, Wayne County Minority Health Coalition, Richmond High School, and the Human Rights Commission of Richmond.

"YMCA" A Favorite of the Night

To see more pictures you can go to GoWayneCounty.com Facebook site where pictures will continue to be uploaded.  If you have a great picture to submit please let us know by sending us a message: Karole@GoWayneCounty.com.