7th Annual Joy Prom Scheduled for Saturday, May 4

Final preparations are under way for the most anticipated prom on the local calendar - the 7th Annual Joy Prom.

This is a free event for people, ages 16 and older, with developmental and or physical impairments. Guests get VIP treatment for a night of dinner, dance, fellowship and enjoyment. Caregivers also get a break and some relaxing time to themselves.

The Joy Prom was first inspired by the biblical verse of Luke 14:12-14, which reads.

Then He also said to him who invited him, "when you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your brothers, your relatives, nor your neighbors, lest they invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

It is impossible to attend a Joy Prom and not be touched by the sheer pleasure the guests get to experience. They are greeted at the door by flashing cameras of the paparazzi, given their own traditional "prom photo" to keep of the treasured memory and, just for those few hours, made to feel like nothing else matters but what makes them happy. Guys get their shoes shined and the girls get to go through hair and make up. In the days prior, fittings take place and just the right outfit is chosen for the occasion.

Peopel travel from out of state in some instances to attend the Joy Prom in Walton County. As they leave, they are already excited about the next year's event. There is a reason why it is so aptly named the "Joy Prom." It is just difficult to see who experiences the most joy - the guests in attendance or the volunteers who serve them.

This year's Joy Prom will be from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville.

See also:

• Loganville Goes Hollywood

• Prom Brings Joy to Some Special People