For a third time, tireless volunteers are joining forces to host a gala prom event that raises funds for local programs serving children with special needs.

ACCEPT and ExCel will receive monies raised by Prom Part 2, an event that allows adults to relive their high school prom night. The event is planned for Sept. 19 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Washington Civic Center.

Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased from Washington Women’s Center and Cottage Junkies in Washington, or by calling Crystal Woolard at 252-945-5627 or HoltonWoolard at 252-623-9516.

The Woolards and their extended family are the driving force behind the prom every year, according to Allison Crisp, the director of ACCEPT. Crisp works closely with Allen and Donna Pittman, founders of ExCel, in planning special events throughout the year for exceptional children in the area.

“Members of that family are the ones who do all this and donate the funds to ACCEPT and ExCel,” Crisp said of the Woolards and their relatives. “They do all the legwork, all the planning.”

Crisp noted that the prom is the perfect excuse for a couple’s special evening out on the town, or an opportunity for female friends to enjoy a girls’ night out.

The purchase price of the ticket includes dancing to a band and appetizers. The evening will also feature a silent auction and cash bar for beer and wine.

And it’s all for a good cause, Crisp pointed out.

“This is our one annual, big fundraiser and it pays for all of our activities throughout the whole year,” she said. “We took the kids to the aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores in August and we’re planning a trip to Sylvan Heights Bird Sanctuary in October.”

These special trips are in addition to the program’s monthly gatherings, Crisp added.

“We’re starting to move around more and hold our ‘Fun Days’ at different locations throughout the community,” she said.

ACCEPT and ExCel serve exceptional children from 3 to 18 years old. ACCEPT has a Facebook page and more information may be requested by contacting Crisp at 252-623-9381 or by email at iacceptallchildren@gmail.com.