| 6/14/2010 |
| Monarch's Spring Annual Formal Dance |
Monarch participants, family members, volunteers and staff join together for 8th annual event
Albemarle, NC – May 14, 2010 was not like any other day for many individuals supported by Monarch. It was the day of the Annual Monarch Spring Dance – a day that they had been looking forward to since the last Spring Dance ended one year ago. Thanks to inspired Monarch staff, the Spring Dance became a tradition eight years ago and has become an event which is treasured by the people at Monarch.
More than 200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from all over North Carolina attended the 2010 Monarch Spring Dance at the Stanly County Senior Center. Staff, family members, and individuals supported by Monarch work together each year to plan this special event. It would not be possible without the support of many individuals like Nancy Smoak who covered the rental cost for the Senior Center this year.
The 2010 Monarch Annual Spring Dance theme, Tropical, was carried throughout decorations and event accessories in the form of floral lays, seashells on tables, sand pails, and palm trees with décor donated by Brenda Hinson and Jeanette Wilhelm. Attendees enjoyed tearing up the dance floor to tunes provided by Monarch friend and DJ, Officer Branch.
Thanks to the generosity of many people in the community, individuals supported by Monarch looked amazing in beautiful dresses and sharp formal attire. Many of the ladies even got the the chance to receive star salon treatment for hair, nails, and makeup thanks to Stanly Beauty College.
The Monarch Spring Dance has become a highly anticipated event for the people supported by Monarch. It is a chance to get together with friends, family, and Monarch staff to celebrate and enjoy one another outside of their everyday activities.
In the words of a few individuals who attended the event…
“I couldn’t wait until the dance this year.” – Celena, a Monarch participant
“I enjoyed the dance.” – Brian, a Monarch group home resident
“Everything was beautiful…I had a great time.” -- Lindsey, a Monarch group home resident
“I always have fun.” – Jimmy, a Monarch participant
Sandy Hendrick, one of the original crew who started the Monarch Spring Dance encourages others to get involved, “A few of us got together many years ago and started the Spring Dance and Christmas Party to give the people we support a chance to get dressed up and experience a very special night out. Thanks to the contributions of people like Sheila Brown and Mindy Fowler who have been involved since day one, these events continue to bring great joy to many people. For anyone wishing to get involved – please accept our open invitation. We find the experience to mean just as much to those who get involved as the people we are doing this for.”
Plans are already underway for Monarch’s 8th Annual Christmas Party (to be held in December) and for next year’s Spring Dance. Interested in helping out or getting involved? Please contact Sandy Hendrick at shendrick@monarchnc.org or 704-983-2174 x221. Volunteers and donations are much needed and welcomed!
Monarch provides support and resources to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance abuse issues throughout North Carolina. Monarch is a nonprofit agency and is an affiliated chapter of The Arc of North Carolina and The Arc of the United States. To learn more about how Monarch helps “dreams take flight” for people living in our communities, please call 1-800-230-7525 or visit online at www.MonarchNC.org.
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