Students can dress up, eat, dance and support Angelman syndrome through the Hall Council’s third annual ball, “A Night with an Angel.”
The dance will be held from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on April 29 in Twelve Oaks. The evening will feature a DJ and an opportunity to meet Jayden L. Williams, a two-year-old diagnosed with Angelman syndrome. Tickets cost $3 for individuals and $5 for couples.
“It is a prom, kind of like a reprise on your high school memories,” said Aryn Bunch, vice president of Hall Council. “A lot of people don’t make it to their prom, so this is a chance to get the experience.  Hall Council likes to host one big event each semester, and prom seems to be really exciting for both the students and the members that put in on.”
Angelman syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and is characterized by delayed development, intellectual disability, severe speech impairment and difficulty with movements and balance.  Williams was invited to the prom to give students a chance to better understand the syndrome.
“Angelman syndrome is such a new discovery that so many people don’t know anything about it or how it affects children or other people who have it,” said Bunch. “Seeing someone with such a condition is important because you can hear about the symptoms without fully grasping what they are living with. Until you see them and see how they are handling and coping with what they have, you won’t know.”
This year’s proceeds will be sent to the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), which is an organization of families and professionals dedicated to finding a cure for Angelman Syndrome and related disorders.
Men should come dressed in a tux, or suit and tie, and women should wear formal dresses. The entire evening is black-tie formal attire.
“We would like people to dress in prom attire. You don’t need a tux, but at least dress pants, dress shirt and a tie,” said Bunch. “We’re not going to make people leave, but we are trying to have it in a prom-like manner. So, we prefer formal attire.”
The decision to support FAST was partially made due to Bunch’s connection to Williams’ mother.
“We use our budget to cover the cost of the event so that we don’t take anything away from the proceeds,” said Bunch. “I’ve known Jayden’s mom for five years. She cuts my hair, and we’ve become buddies. This event is close and personal to me, and I’m just really excited. Please come out and support the event.”
Tickets are available in the University Housing office and will be sold by Hall Council members in Caymen Café.
For more information regarding FAST visit their website at cureangelman.org.