Cloud 9 to offer prom experience for special needs

COLUMBUS -- "It's one of those nights that you're so tired when it's finished but your face hurts because you've been smiling so much," said Chris Goc, a committee member and organizer of Cloud 9. 

In just a few days, the 1C Church in Columbus will be full of people dancing together for the first time in two years. Guests of all ages with special needs will reunite for a free prom night experience.  

Cloud Nine Celebration committee members Chris and Tom Goc are excited for Friday's event.

The couple has been involved with the Tim Tebow Foundation and the Night to Shine for the past four years. But this year, due to COVID-19 and to have the event at a warmer date, they're hosting the effort through The Arc and an anonymous donation. 

"We decided to work with The Arc because when we worked with the Night to Shine people, which is a fantastic event, we could only work with one night per year and February is a bit chillier," Tom Goc said. 

They have just shy of 200 individuals (from as far as Yankton) signed up, and about 175 volunteers. That means they still need more volunteers to act as dance partners for the guests. 

When guests arrive, they will have a red carpet moment, dancing, karaoke, a magic show, and food to enjoy.

The “Cloud 9 Celebrations” dance will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1C The Sanctuary at 2200 28th Ave in Columbus, with hair and makeup being offered for female guests starting at 4:00 p.m. Volunteers over 18 years old will need to complete a background check.