Stone Belt prom needs dress, jewelry donations

Standing in the day room around lunchtime, the talk is all the same. "Are you going to the dance?" "Do you have something to wear?" "Will Ronnie and Betsy win King and Queen?"\nEveryone knows what it's like to get excited for a dance, but for the clients at Stone Belt Arc, the upcoming Winter Wonderland Formal Dance is a chance to be like everyone else.\nStone Belt Arc provides services for developmentally disabled adults and their families. This dance, from 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Indiana Memorial Union, will be the first time the seasonal formal dance will be for clients from all six counties served, said Kim Hodges, senior director of programs at Stone Belt. \n"All of our clients understand that other people get to do these things," said Bitta DeWees, director of Day Services at Stone Belt Center in Monroe County. "Formal dances and these things are something to get excited about and look forward to."\nThis will be the first time Stone Belt of Monroe County has held a dance for all of its clients, spanning six counties, including Monroe, Jennings, Bartholomew, Jackson, Lawrence and Owen.\n"It's the talk everywhere," Hodges said. "We expect 500 to 600 people."\nSince the formal will be held at the Indiana Memorial Union, many of Stone Belt's clients are planning a stylish night out.\n"I hope to ride in a limo," said Betsy Higgins. "I can't wait."\nHiggins' boyfriend Ronnie Sipes was also looking forward to the event.\n"I heard they would park our cars," Sipes said. "I can't wait, but I've got to get Betsy a flower around her wrist first."\nHiggins and Sipes are among the leading contenders for the title of dance King and Queen and will get a free limo ride if they win. Awards will also be given to couples for the best dance and best dressed. But many of Stone Belt's clients rely on limited incomes of less than $30 a month, Hodges said. Because of this, Stone Belt wants donations of formal wear for clients.\n"If I had a pink dress, the shorter kind, maybe I'd go to the dance," client Carla Mann said. \nAnother client, Michael Murphey, requested a suit or tuxedo, or a tie. He said he likes ties that are tan and pink-colored. \nClients need all formal wear and accessories. Women's prom dresses sizes 10 to 22, all sizes of men's suits, ties, dress shoes, jewelry, hair accessories and makeup samples are all finishing touches that make clients feel glamorous, Hodges said. Donations will be accepted at Stone Belt, 2815 E. 10th St., up to the day of the Feb. 25 event.\n"We need all girlie-girl things," DeWees said. "These events increase self-esteem. We'd love anything that helps people glamour-up."\nDeWees is also looking for volunteers to help clients with their makeup and hair for an hour before the dance. Stone Belt is also still looking for a band or D.J. to play music for the dance.\n"I like country, Rascal Flats," client Krista Hurd said. "I'm excited to dance."\nFrank Porter said he'd like to hear Billy Ray Cyrus. Several clients who had written a rap for Christmas said they would give an encore performance.\n"We would also love to have young adults just to socialize, more than just disabled adults," Hodges said. "We'd really like them to get the whole experience."\n"Count me in," client Billy Setser said. "Be there or be square. I'll be there in my carmillo suit on and with my fiance, Rhonda"