Dance at Living Hope Church for those with developmental disabilities a grand gala

Ogden — Living Hope Church hosted a very special prom May 29 for adults and teens with developmental disabilities.

A whopping 350 guests turned out for the free event, and organizers were gratified at the size and energy of the crowd. In the days leading up to the prom, the church offered a Prom Shop where guests could browse a selection of free dresses, tuxedos and more.

On the night in question, there was a complimentary hair-and-makeup salon, photo booth and local magician Craig Martin performing during dinner.

But when the DJs from Paradox Productions started spinning the tunes, the real energy took over as guests stomped, slid, wheeled and jumped all over the dance floor — stopping only for a little water and dessert.

“To see the pure joy on their faces was a reward I wasn’t expecting,” said event director Carly Major. “They are unaffected by what people think, and it challenged all of us. Their enthusiasm and freedom was contagious.”

You can experience a little of that through videos posted on Living Hope Church’s Facebook page.