On June 7^th, the Barber National Institute is sponsoring, Safari Soirée, its annual Expanding Social Opportunities (ESO) Prom. ESO dances are a fun, positive event for adults with Autism or Intellectual Disabilities to enjoy an evening of dancing and friendship with their peers from Edinboro, Penn State Behrend, Gannon, and Mercyhurst Universities.  It’s hard to believe these dances started 18 years! The Bel-Aire Hotel is the host for this year’s Safari Soirée.

With Ryan at the 2018 prom

We anticipate over 200 adults and 100+ volunteers this Friday night.  If you ask any of the attendees why they enjoy the prom, you will get many diverse responses:

• I get the opportunity to wear a very fancy dress.
• It’s a special night with my friends.
• I like dancing to fast songs.
• I get to make many new friends.
• I think the snacks are delicious.

Erie continues to be a very generous community. We have been receiving donations of suits and dresses since January. Additional sponsors include:

• The Bel-Aire Hotel
• Corry Veterans of Foreign War
• Curtze Food Service
• Planet Hope, California

So, if you want to “dance up a storm” this Friday night, join us at Safari Soirée!