United Way invites commuuty to annual prom, awards ceremony

By Sequim Gazette Staff • April 19, 2023 1:30 am
Photo courtesy of Clallam County of United Way / Cynthia Martin, second from right, along with 14 other local community leaders, accepted awards from United Way of Clallam County for “their efforts and strong support in promoting a healthy and safe community for all” at an awards ceremony in 2022. Pictured, from left, are Katrina Nodell, Elna Kawal, Darinda Hagstrom, Martin and Nohl Martin.
Photo courtesy of Clallam County of United Way / Cynthia Martin, second from right, along with 14 other local community leaders, accepted awards from United Way of Clallam County for “their efforts and strong support in promoting a healthy and safe community for all” at an awards ceremony in 2022. Pictured, from left, are Katrina Nodell, Elna Kawal, Darinda Hagstrom, Martin and Nohl Martin.

Prom isn’t only for high school students anymore.

United Way of Clallam County is once again hosting the organization’s annual LIVE UNITED Prom and Awards Ceremony, set for 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.

Community members are invited to enjoy a catered dinner, refreshments, prom photos, music from a live DJ and more.

The organization is celebrating the end of United Way’s campaign year and will be highlighting and honoring community members and businesses who have gone out of their way to make a difference with LIVE UNITED awards.

“LIVE UNITED Prom is an opportunity to relive the magic of prom — or experience it for the first time — as an adult,” United Way development director Jaycie Wakefield said.

The theme of this year’s event is “Under the Sea.”

Tickets are $80 per person or $150 per couple and sponsorship opportunities are available. Businesses interested in sponsoring should contact Wakefield at 360-457-3011 or jaycie@unitedwayclallam.org.

“This year we have a lot to celebrate,” said Christy Smith, CEO of United Way of Clallam County. “We were able to not only able designate funds to our 17 non-profit partners, but also award five selected nonprofits with larger impact funding to specifically support safe and affordable housing solutions, education and professional training and families.”

Sponsors of this year’s event include: 7 Cedars; Lakeside Industries; Amy Matney Photography; Red Lion Hotel and 48° North; The Lodge at Sherwood Village; Danielle Rivers: Edward Jones Financial Advisor; Olympic Peninsula Stone; Vanessa Tobin Photography; So So Sweet by Ashley; Feiro Marine Life Center; City of Port Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation; Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce; Sky Island Party Rentals, and Puget Sound Express.

United Way raises money year-round to help fund nonprofit partner organizations that help keep families healthy and safe, youths in school and the more vulnerable citizens services they need.

Donations can be made to United Way of Clallam County at 360-457-3011, at unitedwayclallam.org, or by mail to: United Way of Clallam County, PO Box 937, Port Angeles, WA 98362.