To the Editor:

Families United in Newtown (FUN), a community recreational program, sponsored their first Prom Sunday February 20 at Newtown Congregational Church.

Over 80 people attended the dance, including special needs students of all ages, Newtown High School and National Honor Society volunteers, as well as multiple adult community volunteers to set up, decorate, organize, mentor, serve the meal/ dessert, and clean up.

Many thanks go to Jay and Amy Thomas; John Voket and Chris Samson our DJs; Bill and Linda Soter; Kevin Curry; Steve Bennett and the Congregational Church; Beth, Ben and Nick Meszaros; Laura and Will Gardener; Anita and Peter Lucsky; Monsie Hobbs; Maura Granville; Doris and Chuck Samson; Cindy Zetye and Tom Wadas; Tracy Heim and family; Christine Rowan; Kristen Glehan; Dawn Lipke; Suzanne Lang; Erica Shaker; Rachel Steinbroner; Katja Pieragostini and “Leah” comfort dog; and photographer Rori Shugrue.

Thanks to Selectman Maureen Crick Owen for crowning the Prom Queen Mary Jo Taweh and Prom King Miles Aldrich — and our Prom Princess Joey Libero and Prince John Moxhan, both dedicated volunteers.

Many thanks to Texas Road House, Elmer’s Diner Danbury; Dawn Lipke and the Eagleson family, Bridgewater Chocolate, Starbucks of Newtown, and Project Pizza.

FUN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that strives to provide individuals with special needs, and their families, social opportunities in a caring environment.

On behalf of our participating families, our volunteer mentors and our Board of Directors, we send our heartfelt thanks to Newtown and surrounding communities for supporting our mission. Support for FUN means the world to us and the individuals and families we serve. It takes a village to create a FUN Prom and we offer sincere gratitude to everyone who helped.

Our next event is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, from 2:30 to 5 pm at Dickinson Park Pavilion for some Irish dancing with the Ashurst School of Irish Dance!

Check out Facebook or our website for details! Families United in Newtown or familiesunitedinnewtown.org.

Duane and Linda Jones

Founders of FUN