Since 2011, Night to Remember (NTR) has been held intermittently, with some interruptions due to COVID-19. The organization’s goal is to help the special needs community in Ventura County (VC) feel seen and loved by their peers.

Held at the VC Fairgrounds, the dance is hosted by Ventura’s local youth group at Mission Church. As a community, the church raises money all year and uses their church volunteers for this special event.

With neurodivergent or disabled guests and volunteer hosts, a buddy system is established both before and during the event. Some students are paired in advance, while others are matched just before walking down the red carpet.

NTR isn’t just a dance- it is a life-changing event that so many students and the community enjoy. Many special needs students have attended for multiple years, proving NTR’s impact on the community.

“NTR was so cool. I have been going since freshman year, and it is always so much fun, ” Buena senior Monserrat Baltarzar said.

The night is all about those who are overlooked on a daily basis. As a host, you are provided with mandatory training. There were “mottos” used by Mission church: “ It’s not about me” and “drop the cool factor”. These phrases were for the hosts that may have worried about themselves and their own experience.

For those who attended as a guest, there were so many reasons the NTR team put together this night for them.. Prior to the event, NTR hosted an outlet for the guests with donated prom dresses and tuxedos for those who didn’t have something to wear to the dance.

At the function,guests were given a salon experience for those who wanted their hair and make-up done. Corsages and boutonnieres were given to all guests, each one handmade which was possible by community donations. At the end of the night, there was a “swag bag” for each guest to take home as a way to help them remember the experience.

This party included a limo ride, red carpet with live paparazzi, photo booths, a world famous DJ and even NTR’s own glambot, just to name a few of the unique and exciting aspects of NTR.

Many students who participated in special nights do so for the students and to have a great time themselves. Former Buena student Pedro Ayala talks about the highlights of the night for him.

“My favorite part [is] seeing the kids light up with joy [and for the guest] being able to [show off] something that most people don’t think that they can actually do.[It makes the night] all worth it,” Ayala said.

For guests’ comfortability, a guardian area was provided with seating and food, as well as a cool down/ place to breath area for those who may have needed a break from the party.

NTR is an amazing community building and embracement for the youth. The community can view the NTR Instagram for updates and to sign up for next year’s dance.