Capernaum Young Life hosts its Royal Prom at Crossroads Florence on Sept. 18, giving guests with disabilities a red-carpet evening of dinner, dancing and crowns.
Hundreds of volunteers will pair one-on-one with guests for the night. Each volunteer is screened and trained before the event. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and the evening includes hair and makeup stations, a sit-down banquet, a message about God's love and a dance floor. Every guest leaves with a crown or tiara.
More than 40 Northern Kentucky businesses and churches have partnered with this year's prom, donating food, flowers, decorations, tents, medical services, security and financial support, the NKY Tribune reported. Crossroads Florence has hosted the event since its first year, providing its building and staff.
Marlene Stewart, the Royal Prom coordinator for Capernaum Young Life, told the Tribune that the community involvement keeps growing. Volunteers range from high school students to working professionals.
"They come not out of pity but out of love … That's why they keep coming back. That's Northern Kentucky," Stewart said.
Local stylists donate time for hair and makeup. Florists supply bouquets and decorations, restaurant and franchise owners contribute food, and photographers capture the evening for families.
The 2025 edition was billed as the 11th annual Royal Prom, making this year's event the 12th.
On-site security and medical teams stay throughout the evening. A quieter space is set aside for guests who need a break. Stewart told the Tribune that families can expect their children to be welcomed by name, waited on at dinner and asked to dance.
Stewart also coordinates monthly club gatherings, summer camp and outings for teens and young adults with disabilities through Capernaum Young Life's year-round programming.
Community members who cannot attend in person can follow the event through a Facebook livestream on The Royal Prom page or follow @nkyyounglifecapernaum on Instagram.
What to know
- What: The Royal Prom, hosted by Capernaum Young Life
- When: Friday, Sept. 18. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
- Where: Crossroads Florence
Upcoming community events
- Boone County pumpkin patches open starting Sept. 19
- Boone County schools receive farm safety book kits Sept. 21
