It may have been years since the residents of Town Village Audubon Park retirement home wore their best evening wear and donned corsages, but this weekend the ladies of Sigma Kappa sorority are taking them back in time.
Accompanied by the gentlemen of Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity, the ladies are hosting their annual senior citizens prom Friday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Village Audubon Park. In its 10th year, the prom is apart of Sigma Kappa's philanthropy, gerontology, or the study of aging and the health problems stemming from it. Though no money will be raised at this event, the benefits to the elderly are priceless.
"Their faces just light up," said Robynn Hopkins, Sigma Kappa advisor, of the senior citizens. "They enjoy young people anyway, so this is just so much fun for them."
The standard prom activities will be showcased at the event, including the crowning of the prom king and queen, each of whom are decided by the residents of the facility, Hopkins said.
The prom's soundtrack will include songs from the residents' generation to get them dancing and reminiscing. Prom-like wear is encouraged.
"We're doing it with the boys of Lamda Chi because the older ladies love to dance with the younger men," said Anna Miles, a sophomore and member of the sorority. "It's so funny to watch them."
Held at various assisted-living facilities each year, the sorority hopes to get the elderly folks involved in the community.
Last year, prom night also included karaoke, which most of the residents participated in, said Ashley Ward, a junior and member of the sorority. Ward said this year there should be more interaction between the young and elderly.
"It's so great to know that this event brings them joy," Miles said. "The residents actually look forward to this."
Prior to the event, the ladies will visit with the residents and get to know them, a part they love, Miles said.
"They'll talk to you about their lives, what they've done and they love it," Miles said. "Everything is equal between us and them, and their eyes just spark up."
Hopkins said the residents really get into the dance.
"Last year, an older gentlemen was dancing with a girl, and another man came up and cut in," she said. "They truly enjoy being around young people, and it's just a good time for all."
