Debbie Miller hadn’t even seen herself yet in her new prom dress, but she knew she looked good.

The Unity woman added a string of pearls around her neck and a ring on her right hand.

As soon as she looked in the mirror, she knew the purple, strapless dress with a bow was the perfect pick.

“I love it,” she said, while practicing some dance moves in the mirror.

Just add some makeup and a hairdo and Miller will be ready for the Very Special Prom 2019 later this month.

Faith-based nonprofit The Celebration of Life had a busy weekend getting prom-goers ready for the big day that is attended by hundreds of people cutting loose on the dance floor and socializing with friends.

The charity’s annual event with donated gowns, jewelry, suits, bags and shoes is a way for people who have special needs to prepare at a low or no cost. It’s quiet and slow-paced in a private environment, just what prom-goers need, said Tina Rusiski, The Celebration of Life president.

“They have a very difficult time in stamina, stimulation and other customers around them in traditional stores,” she said. For some, the event is the only way they’d be able to get something appropriate to wear to the prom.

Many of the items have been donated by local businesses and others who have their own formal wear leftover. Beth Pruitt of Mt. Pleasant brought in three dresses that have been taking up space in her closet at home.

“We keep telling them over and over, ‘Yes, it’s yours,’” Rusiski said.

Tracey Hoffer brought her consumer Sean Copley, who left with a gray suit and tie and white shirt. He’s excited about going to the prom with his girlfriend, Brittany Haley, who got an aqua blue dress with rhinestones on the bodice.

“Him and his girlfriend both valued this service,” said Hoffer, who is contracted through Passavant Memorial Homes. “They each didn’t have anything to dress up into.”

Miller was grateful to Kathy Fatla for bringing her to the dress event. Fatla said she has to do a few minor alterations on the dress so it will fit perfectly. It’s been awhile since Miller has been to a prom and without the event, she likely would have missed another year. “She wouldn’t have been able to go otherwise,” Fatla said. “This just made it all possible.”

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