The girls had never worn formal dresses before; the guys had never cruised about town in a limo.  But then a truly Cinderella story unfolded as a north coast community got behind an idea to organise a formal for the young people of Sandelford Special School in Coleraine.

The beautiful initiative was spearheaded by Causeway Coast Vineyard Church, who were inspired by a similar summer ball they had seen hosted in the States for children with special needs.  Kids worker Dave Pavey said it made them think - “Could we do something like this here?”

And that’s exactly what they did.  A ‘dress shop’ was opened up within the church complex and the local community totally behind the venture.  Dresses were donated, limos offered for free, hairdressers said they’d volunteer their services to style and cut hair on the night.

“It was eye-opening,” Dave said.  “The community totally got on board.  I guess we all wanted to create a formal that was even better than your average formal.  These young people had never been to one before.  We only found out afterwards - but for many of them this was the fulfillment of a dream.”

In the build-up to the event excitement within the school mounted.  Staff there reported that the formal was altering the atmosphere among pupils, who can often get depressed towards the end of term at the thought of having to leave the safety of school.

“The formal seemed to be turning that around,” said Dave.  “Sadness was literally being turned to joy.”

On the big night a ‘get-ready party’ was held where the young people stepped into their evening wear and got their hair and make-up perfected.  Then three limos rolled up and took the excited teenagers on a tour around the town, before dropping them off at the hotel.

Once there a drinks reception was held, official photos taken, before the meal was served and then an awards ceremony took place where everyone was a winner.  Then it was time to dance into the night!

For young people like Gemma, who is severely mentally disabled, such a night was precious.  Her mum described it as “a miracle” that Gemma, who has to be in a wheelchair to keep her settled, was able to sit still for 2 hours and have the time of her life.

“Some of these young people had never been out for dinner before,” explained Dave. “And so was this was such an affirming night - to let them know how much they were valued and that the community valued them so much.”

“The joy that was in the room that night was almost tangible.  Valuing people - seems to change them.  It really was such a moving experience.”