A non-profit organization in Worcester, whose goal is to empower youth and adults with intelectual and developmental disabilities, will host it's first annual all ages prom.
Thrive supports more than 1,000 families between Marlborough and Worcester, through running group homes, providing resources and running social and recreational activies.
President and CEO Sean Rose says the social and recreational programs are not funded through the state and they have to fundraise in order to keep doing them, which is how they came up with the idea for the all ages prom. He says the pandemic has been really hard on those they serve, so getting them out, socializing and interacting is something they strive for.
"We know that for us, you and I, a prom is a right of passage, we go and we get a tux and we have our dates and flowers and pictures," Rose said. "It hasn't always a right of passage for folks who are intellectually and developmentally disabled, so the idea of putting on a prom for all ages, so 18+, doesn't matter if you're 18 or 100."
Thrive is currently seeking sponsorships. All of the money raised will go towards the night as well as more events beyond the prom in the coming months and year.
The prom will be held at Polar Park on May 27.