A Night of Stars | West Side Christian Church

A Prom Experience For Those With Special Needs

A Prom Experience For Those With Special Needs
Attend Volunteer Partner

A Night of Stars, hosted by West Side Christian Church, is BACK! Those with special needs, ages 14+ are invited to join us as we roll out the red carpet for a night of dancing, food, photos and royal treatment!

April 28, 2023 | 6:00-8:00 PM

Attend

Participants with special needs (ages 14+) will walk the red carpet and enjoy a night of dancing, food, photos and "royal" treatment!

Every participant will be partnered with a background-checked, personal buddy who has been trained in advance to care for their needs and make them feel like a million bucks.

Have questions? contact Stephanie Dugan, our Director of Care Ministry.

Registration closed April 21, 2023!
FAQ

"When Micah stepped onto the dance floor his apprehension faded away. He danced and danced and danced in his own beautiful way, and he came alive!"

-Matt, father of a past participant

Volunteer

Do you want to make a difference in the life of someone with special needs? Plan to join us on Friday, April 28, for A Night of Stars! Whether you volunteer as a one-on-one buddy to someone with special needs or join one of our many other teams (decor, food, games and activities, parking lot, etc.), your role will greatly impact EVERYONE who attends!

Volunteer registration is full!

“Volunteering at A Night of Stars was an UNFORGETTABLE experience. I can’t wait to do it again!”

-Lisa, past Night of Stars Volunteer

Business Partners

Do you own a business or organization? If so, we'd love for you to partner with us to make A Night of Stars an unforgettable experience. Partnering is easy, here's some ways you can participate:

Donate or deeply discount products and services.
Provide a cash donation to help cover other expenses.
Contact us with a creative idea we might not have considered.

Let us know if you have something you'd like to share!

Partner View Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What can participants expect to experience at Night of Stars?

A: So much fun! We'll start the night by getting everyone checked in. They'll then be given a crown or tiara and welcomed into our photo space operated by professional photographers. Each participant will have their picture taken with their caretakers and/or group. We'll then match them with a one-on-one Buddy, and they'll be taken into the prom, where everyone will be announced and celebrated as they enter! From there, participants can dance the night away, take a ride on the party bus, snap a pic at the photobooths, enjoy snacks and refreshments and utilize our sensory and activity rooms.

Q: Is registration required? Will you take walk-ins?

A: Registration is required in advance. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walk-ins.

Q: What do participants wear?

A: Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to come as they are! Wanna suit up? Wear that fancy dress? T-shirt and jeans more your speed? All styles are welcome at A Night of Stars!

Q: Are there any fees to attend?

A: Nope! A Night of Stars is a completely FREE event!

Q: Can I be my participant’s ’Buddy’ and stay with them throughout the night?

A: We have an incredible team of trained and background-checked 'Buddies' who are excited to spend the evening one-on-one with each participant. Because we want to celebrate caretakers just like you as well, we ask that you utilize the Caretaker Lounge, where we'll provide refreshments, prizes and loads of fun!

Q: Will dinner be provided?

A: No. However, we will provide drinks, refreshments, and snacks to both participants and Caretakers.

Q: What if a participant has a specific food allergy?

A: Please note allergies on your participant's registration form. We'll then provide these details to each Buddy. Drinks and snacks that accommodate any food allergy/restriction will be available.

Q: What do you require of the volunteers assisting throughout the evening?

A: Every Night of Stars volunteer goes through a detailed training process that includes: coaching for their designated role, a detailed background check and training specific to working with individuals with special needs. We'll also have a trained safety and security team for the event.

Q: What if my participant gets overwhelmed or needs a break?

A: A fully equipped and staffed sensory room and a separate activity room will be available to any participant looking for a calmer or quieter experience.

2023 Night of Stars Partners

ABF Classes

Thank you to the TNT, Beau Knots and Homebuilders Bible Studies at West Side for their generous group donations!

Ace Sign Co.

From hand lettering to digital printing, from neon to LEDs, and from billboards to full-motion video boards, Ace Sign Co. can create all of your signage needs.

Cafe Kreyol

Cafe Keyol creates sustainable employment using specialty grade and organic coffee direct from farms in Haiti. Fun fact, Fireside Cafe exclusively uses Cafe Kreyol coffee!

Card My Yard Springfield

Card My Yard is the original yard greeting service that specializes in making your special occasion one to remember. From birthdays to corporate events, Card My Yard creates fun outdoor installations to help you celebrate BIG!

Executive Transportation

Executive Transportation is one of Illinois’ largest providers of luxury ground transportation for any occasion. Whether it’s across town, a trip to the airport, prom, dinner for two or a ball game for 100, they have your ground transportation needs covered.

Flourish Flower Company

Flourish Flower Company creates custom floral arrangements for your wedding, events, gifts, and more!

Freestyle Apparel

Freestyle is a locally owned screen printing & design company specializing in plastisol t-shirt screen printing for brands, clothing companies, businesses and more.

Gordon Food Service

Gordon Food Service is a leading family-owned food distributor servicing restaurants, the healthcare industry, and schools.

Griffitts Construction

Serving the greater Springfield area, Griffitts Construction specializes in roofing, windows and doors, and siding installation.

Heartland Coca Cola

Heartland Coca-Cola produces, sells, and distributes the highest quality and best tasting beverages in the world by honoring the principle of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Incredibly Delicious

Incredibly Delicious is a locally owned French Bakery and Café located in the historic Weber House near downtown Springfield, Illinois. They specialize in artisanal bread, traditional croissants, handmade pastries, specialty cakes and desserts.

J&M Displays, Inc

J&M Displays provides fireworks, proximate pyrotechnics, flames and other special effects for all types of events, big and small!

Lanphier Trades Program

Led by Rob Handy, the Lanphier Trades program is made up of junior and seniors at Lanphier High School. Throughout the year they visit various job sites, observe different trades in action and complete hands-on learning experiences, including the entry star for A Night of Stars!

Living Well Chiropractic

Living Well Chiropractic care is natural, safe, and effective. Whether you're trying to regain lost mobility, overcome chronic pain, or fine-tune your fitness, Living Well Chriopractic can help.

LRS

Levi, Ray, and Shoup, Inc. (LRS) is a global provider of technology solutions, providing IT consulting and IT solutions all around the world.

Luxe Entertainment

Luxe Entertainment provides central IL with upscale DJing services for events, weddings and more.

Nelsons Catering

Nelson’s provides buffet catering for gatherings of any size. When you partner with Nelson’s, you can be assured your event will have the experience, delicious food and professionalism you seek.

Papa Johns

Better ingredients, better pizza! Papa John’s of Springfield has been tantalizing our tastebuds with pizza, garlic bread and more for years.

Ralph Irons with Sam's Club

Ralph Irons serves as a manager at Sam’s Club of Springfield. At Sam’s Club, Ralph and his team are committed to becoming the membership store you love most. They do this by providing excellent products and services.

Ri & Co Salon

More than a Salon, Ri & Co is a luxury boutique specializing in hand-tied extensions, coloring, Brazilian blow outs and more!

Robert Reynolds with Fun DMC

Robert Reynolds is the lead guy for Fun DMC, the perfect band for any event, big or small! Want to surprise your audience with something different and entertaining? Featuring the greatest pop, rock, and dance songs from every decade, Fun DMC are no strangers to weddings, corporate events, private parties and more.