It’s prom season across the Alle-Kiski Valley and residents at Platinum Ridge in Brackenridge celebrated recently with a special night of their own.
Residents dressed to the nines for the big event, hosted May 12 on the grounds of the nursing home and rehab center along Broadview Boulevard.
“They always talk about the dances and events they went to in the past and I thought, ‘Why can’t I do a prom for them?” said activities director Karla Langer.
In typical prom fashion, there were flowers, makeup consultations, desserts, raffle baskets and fancy frocks — all donated by staff and community members.
Many of the dresses came from the Bless A Dress campaign, an event at the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena in Harmar that had 3,000 gently used, free dresses up for grabs.
“We had community volunteers that helped do everything,” Langer said. “They served food, took pictures and transferred people outside.”
Many of the volunteers danced the night away with the residents to music provided by DJ Scotty E and Rick Matt.
Platinum Ridge Center for Rehab and Healing is a 97-bed skilled nursing facility that has operated since the 1960s.
Langer said she was thrilled to finally be able to host this special event for her patients. It was something she started working on in 2020, “but covid had other plans,” she said.
“This prom most definitely met my wishes,” Langer said. “It was so much fun and much needed after these few years.”
