A Night to Remember: Celebrating the 3rd Annual Starry Night Senior Prom

An evening of music, dancing, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

On July 25, 2026, seniors from across our community gathered at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel for Sabathani Community Center’s 3rd Annual Starry Night Senior Prom. It was an evening filled with elegance, laughter, music, and celebration, bringing together friends old and new for a night to remember.

Presented by Sabathani’s Senior Program in partnership with VOA Minnesota Elder Connection, the annual event celebrates the vitality, spirit, and joy of our older adults while creating opportunities for connection and lasting memories.

An Evening of Music, Dancing, and Celebration

Guests enjoyed live entertainment from The kAT Band Project, dancing with Harris Parks, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with friends and make new ones. The evening also featured a welcome from Thornton Jones and Mayor Roslyn Harmon, along with the much-anticipated crowning of the Prom King and Queen.

For many guests, the evening was about more than dressing up and enjoying a night out. It was a chance to feel celebrated, share in community, and experience the simple joy of being together.

First-time attendee Vanessa Dillon summed it up enthusiastically:

“I had the time of my life. It was the first time I attended and didn’t know what to expect. I danced, met new people, and saw people I knew… The band was really good and the food too. Can’t wait until next year.”

Todd Mayes, who escorted his 93-year-old mother, Nila Mayes, a member of The 90’s Club, reflected on the significance of the gathering:

“As I looked around at other members of the group, I thought, this is the epitome of the strongest generation of women, and it made me proud that my mother is a member. We both had a great time, enjoyed seeing friends, the food, and dancing to the excellent band. It was a classy event!”

A Crowning Moment to Remember

For newly crowned Prom Queen Rebecca Hardy, the evening held a particularly special meaning.

Rebecca almost didn’t attend because she was experiencing significant pain. Although she loves to dance, she knew she wouldn’t be able to participate as she normally would. With encouragement from her friend Teresa, she decided to come anyway.

Before the crowning, Rebecca quietly said a prayer, hoping that hearing her name called might be a sign of better days ahead.

“When they called my name, I felt like I won a million dollars! The prom was a beautiful experience, the food and the venue. I was more than blessed to have God speak to me in that way.”

Rebecca underwent surgery shortly after the prom and is already looking ahead to next year’s celebration with a special goal:

“My goal is to present the crown next year without a cane! You have to have a test to have a testimony.”

Her story is a beautiful reminder of how a moment of celebration can offer encouragement, hope, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Making Memories Together

The joy of the evening was shared by guests, volunteers, and performers alike.

Performer Kiana Marie reflected on the energy in the room:

“I enjoyed performing again this year. I had people tell me they hope we come back next year. I was able to mingle and meet people in between sets, and everyone was so happy, just joy in the room. A great event!”

From the music and dancing to the crowning ceremony and group photos, Starry Night Senior Prom was a celebration of community, connection, and the importance of making space for joy at every age.

With Gratitude

A heartfelt thank-you to Joyce Mayes, Sabathani’s Senior Program Coordinator, and Patricia Jones, Program Manager with VOA Minnesota Elder Connection, whose leadership and coordination helped make this special evening possible.

We are also grateful to our sponsors, Fredrikson Government Relations, AARP Minnesota, Inside Senior Living, and Seward Community Co-op, and community partners Minnesota Vikings, Cycling Without Age, Gifts for Seniors, and YAP (Youth AIDS Project).

Special thanks to Gregory Addison of G. Addison Visuals for capturing the evening on video, Dani Werner Photography for the beautiful photographs, and all the entertainers, vendors, volunteers, and community members who contributed to the celebration.

Most of all, thank you to the seniors who brought their energy, elegance, and joy to the dance floor. You are the stars of this special night, and we look forward to celebrating with you again!