Fantastic Friends of WNY holds annual special needs fashion show

Together with the D’Youville University occupational therapy department, Fantastic Friends of WNY Inc. hosted a special needs prom on Friday at the South Line Firehall in Cheektowaga.

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“April is Autism Awareness Month, and we were thrilled to provide a prom for special needs individuals, many who are connected to the autism community,” said Debbie Cordone, founder of Fantastic Friends. “We hosted our first prom in 2019, and we were unable to hold the event in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic. We are thrilled that the annual event is back on track, and we thank the community for their ongoing support.”

The prom allows special needs individuals to experience a night of dancing and enjoyment with their peers. Attendees enjoyed fun with friends, music with a DJ, a photo booth, special lighting, a red carpet, gift bags, ice cream bar, candy bar, food, beverages, and an escort for the evening.

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In recent years, Fantastic Friends has increased programming and expanded its special needs center located on French Road in Cheektowaga. Cordone has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to find unique ways to provide services to those in need.

Fantastic Friends of WNY Inc. is a volunteer-driven organization for special needs individuals of all ages whose mission statement is to provide a safe, comfortable environment for individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities of all ages.

“A place of acceptance and understanding without judgement,” is how Cordone describes it.

original article by Niagara Frontier Publications