ROCKINGHAM – Just about every senior in high school looks forward to prom night. The senior citizens in our community are no exception. On Friday, March 16, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, our senior citizens can look forward to an 80’s-themed Senior Prom at Cole Auditorium.
Community Home Care & Hospice, with assistance from Richmond County Aging Services and the Hamlet Senior Center, will hold its fifth annual senior citizens Senior Prom. The event is for seniors within the community but the invitation is extended to all the local nursing facilities as well. According to Meghan Barber, director at Magnolia Apartments in Rockingham, several residents are planning to attend. “They are looking forward to the photo booth, dancing, and food.”
Tonya Butts, Hospice Care Consultant, said, “The idea of a prom began as an event to give the seniors something to do, something they could get dressed up for and have fun.”
According to Butts, about 40 participants attended the first prom. “Last year we had pretty close to 200.” Having organized the first four proms on their own, Butts said she feels fortunate this year to have help from the Richmond County Aging Council and the Hamlet Senior Center. Butts stated that the Department of Social Services has also lent a hand. Butts said that “Due to the increase in the size of the event, their help is very much appreciated.” She is also thankful for items donated from community businesses/residents.
The event, as usual is at no cost to the attendees. Butts stated, “There are so many seniors living on fixed incomes; I couldn’t bear the thought of someone not coming because they couldn’t afford it.”
Butts said that the nursing homes “do an awesome job making a full day of it.” The ladies get their hair done and have their nails polished; they get to go out and have a really good time.” They look forward to it every year. Butts said, “As soon as I finish this prom the residents are asking me when the next one is.”
“We try to have something fun every year,” Butts stated. Previous themes include Classic Hollywood, Mardi Gras, Roaring Twenties, and Disco. There is no registration involved; attendees only have to show up!
