Prom Night for 200 young people with special needs in Los Gatos

LOS GATOS, Calif. (KTVU) - It was a night to remember for 200 teens and young adults with special needs. They, along with hundreds of volunteers, gathered at a South Bay Church Friday night for a unique prom, ahead of Valentine’s Day.

With high fives all around, 16-year-old Randy Gil of Morgan Hill was all smiles, as he strutted down the red carpet through a crowd of cheers.

“Yes I got excited giving everyone high fives,” said Gil.
Gil, who is diagnosed with autism and epilepsy, was among 200 individuals with special needs. They were honored guests who danced the night away at a “A Night to Remember" prom at the Calvary Church in Los Gatos.

It’s one of 200 proms across the country put on by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

“I see so many other kids who have the same type of disability as my son,” said Randy’s mother Joanna Gil. “It's like he belongs."

It’s a safe place without judgement. Pastor Laura Sizelove said it's the first time it's been held in Silicon Valley and it's no coincidence near Valentine’s Day.

“We want tonight to be all about celebrating them,” said Sizelove “It’s really their night to shine, to be the kings and queens we know they already are. This whole evening is about pampering them and making them feel special."

They got their shoes shined, makeup and hair done not to mention help picking out the perfect flower and boutonniere. They also got a limo ride to the prom. It was free paid by the foundation, private donors and help from 900 volunteers.

“Words can't express,” said Volunteer Olivia Gonzalez. “I will remember this for the rest of my life.”
“I feel great because I’m going on a date for the first time in my life,” said Nolan Kerman of San Jose.

Kerman said he'd like to do it again.

At this prom, there was no one king or queen. All of them got a crown or a tiara to wear at the end of the night."