WILDWOOD – The sixth annual Sweethearts’ Ball, a dinner dance for Cape May County adults with developmental disabilities, was held Sat., April 9 at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Rose Kuprianov, the ARC of New Jersey’s “family ambassador” for the county, first organized the event, a sort of “prom” for those beyond their prom years, back in 2005 motivated by her daughter, Natalie, who has Down syndrome. Following her graduation from high school, Natalie was no longer eligible to attend a prom but missed the thrill of getting dressed up and dancing the night way, Kuprianov said.
Today, the ball remains a way for those still living at home with their families or in group homes run by the ARC of Cape May to enjoy a prom-like atmosphere and dance until their hearts are content. Many attendees come dressed to the nines, in full suits and gowns. Kuprianov said attendance has more than doubled during the past half dozen years from a modest 47 to now over 120.
Likewise, community interest has remained strong, she said.
The ball was first organized with the aid of a $1,000 state grant from the Department of Community Affairs, given to the City of Wildwood for recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Kuprianov said that funding has unfortunately ceased, but local donors helped continue the dance.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
