Giving the ‘uniquely abled’ community a night to remember, gemstones prom preparations

SEAFORD, Del. – Grace Seaford Church and multiple organizations throughout Delaware are teaming up to bring back the beloved Gemstone prom, a night that gives the disabled community a little shine and sparkle. “I think only as a community can we address some of the larger issues that are happening around us so the church is a piece of that, but they also have to partner with our community in multiple ways,” says Pastor Larry Davis with Grace Seaford Church.

Pastor Davis tells 47 ABC, they’ve been coordinating this prom for a few years, teaming up with organizations like the Tim Tebow Foundation, but due to the pandemic, the last two were virtual.

Now, they’re back in person and they’ve been working for months to raise funds and coordinate this event. Between 90 and 100 guests will attend this year, and almost 200 volunteers to make it happen, including the police and the Mayor of Seaford.

Pastor Davis says this event does more than just uplift the disabled community but shows them how special and equal they are to everyone else. “So when you look at those with unique needs within our community, many times they’re marginalized or they’re overlooked, people don’t realize that they’re uniquely abled, not disabled,” says Pastor Davis. He adds, “We believe they’re equally valued and I think that equal value of life is something we need to partner together with.”

Each guest gets to attend prom for free, and everyone is crowned king and queen.

The Gemstones prom will take place Saturday night, March 26th at Atlanta Road alliance church in Seaford, DE from five to nine p.m.

If you want to donate or help out next year, you can head to their website.