An evening of dancing will raise money this weekend for two local organizations that provide opportunities for special needs children.

ACCEPT and ExCEL will host Prom Part 2 at the Washington Country Club Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person or $50 for couples. Proceeds will help the organizations fund sporting activities, workshops and fun days events for exceptional children and their families, according to Allison Crisp.

“It’s time to dress up and let’s make it fun,” said Crisp, the director of ACCEPT who works closely with ExCEL founders Allen and Donna Pittman. “Let’s redo the prom craze from back in the good old school days as we come together to fund raise for special needs children.”

Along with providing fun and educational opportunities, the mission of ACCEPT and ExCEL is to educate the public on acceptance and understanding of children with special needs. The prom fundraiser was launched last year by Crystal Woolard, whose young son Clayton is active in both organizations.

“It was Crystal’s idea,” Crisp said of the fundraiser, which proved to be a success last year. “She wanted to help us be able to do more. She saw we were doing a lot of this out of our own pockets and she decided to help raise money so we could do even more. I must say the prom last year outdid any prom I ever attended.”

This year’s event will feature live music by the Magic Pipers band as well as appetizers, beverages and souvenir photos, according to Crisp. And while the event is geared toward couples, anyone is welcome. Dress is semi-formal to dressy casual.

“Get a group of your friends together and come on out,” Crisp urged. “It’s a great ladies-night-out event, too, if your husband is not into music and social fun.”

A portion of the proceeds will help fund a new scholarship for a local high school graduate who has volunteered with ACCEPT and ExCEL events and who is planning to pursue as a special education teacher or occupational, speech or physical therapist.

Tickets may be purchased at Washington Women’s Clinic and Cottage Junkies. For ticket information, contact Woolard at 252-945-5627.