By Nicole Matheson

Calvary Baptist Church will host An Evening of Hope Friday, from 6-8 p.m., at ‘its Sweetwater Campus located at 3100 Sweetwater Ave.

This event is designed for those with special needs over 14 years of age and offers hope, encouragement and fun to those individuals as well as their caretakers.

Coordinator of the event, Amber Smith of Calvary, explained what it takes to host the event, complete with a red-carpet welcome.

“I have about 11 people on my team that have been planning and organizing this since November. And we have about 300 volunteers who will be there that night,” Smith said.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Hair and makeup kicks off the evening at 4:30 p.m., where volunteers assist attendees prepare for the event. When they check in, they will receive a corsage or boutonniere and then be paired with a buddy. These buddies receive special training specifically for the event.

Those attending have their picture taken and then on to a ride in a limo, classic car or a cart drawn by miniature horses to the red carpet.

They receive a crown or tiara prior to entering the dance area. There will be other activities besides dancing such as karaoke, a sensory room, crafts, bounce houses and a chance to pet and feed the miniature horses.

Dinner will be provided, and the participant’s caretakers are also treated. Everyone will together at the end of the night for a special dance and message from one of Calvary’s pastors.

Sign-up is still available to participants by visiting calvaryaz.com.

Following are photos from la prior event.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene