Shimmering evening gowns, a lucky leprechaun, green-themed food, and energetic dance music flooded a decorated ball room as more than 60 Arc of Haywood County residents and friends arrived for a St. Patrick’s Day Ball hosted by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in the hotel’s ballroom on Friday, March 15.
Arc residents took a break from dancing to get a prom-style photo taken with leprechaun Joy Platt, who volunteered with Harrah’s Cherokee HERO program. Shown (left-right) are Joy Platt, Harrah’s Cherokee gaming host; Lisa Vaniel, Arc resident; Barbara Shook, Arc employee; and Michael Harrington, Arc resident. (Harrah’s Cherokee photo)
“It truly was a magical evening for Arc residents and our own employees who volunteered with Harrah’s Employees Reaching Out (HERO),” said Janna Hyatt, Harrah’s Cherokee community relations specialist. “Arc of Haywood has been one of Harrah’s Cherokee’s community partners for several years, and we were thrilled to be able to host this special evening out for them.”
Arc residents began preparing for the event early in the day with the help of the Learning and Enrichment Program at Haywood Vocational Opportunities (HVO). Staff styled residents’ hair, applied make-up, and painted their nails. Many wore dresses and gowns donated to HVO from Dillards.
“The residents looked beautiful, and Harrah’s did an amazing job with the decorations, music, and food,” Arc Executive Director Denise Coleman said. “We are so fortunate to live in such a supportive community and appreciate Harrah’s Cherokee providing our residents and friends with such a memorable event.”
Harrah’s HEROs joined in the evening’s celebrations with Arc residents. Volunteers danced the night away, and made many new friends who they look forward to seeing in the community and at future Arc events.
The Arc of Haywood County provides residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc recognizes all people should have the opportunity to live in and be a part of their community. For more information about The Arc of Haywood County, a United Way Agency, visit www.arcofhaywood.org.
– Harrah’s Cherokee
