The Special Needs Christmas Ball returns for its fourth year
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IDAHO FALLS — The Southeast Idaho Special Needs Christmas Ball is returning for its fourth year.
Anyone in the community with special needs is invited to enjoy dinner and dancing, all free of charge.
Kenadie Anderson worked with people with special needs in high school and loved it. She spearheaded the first Special Needs Christmas Ball for her senior project in 2021.
The idea started with Anderson’s brother, Caleb Goodson. He has autism and proposed the Special Needs Christmas Ball for his senior project. Anderson says Skyline High School initially rejected the project.
When Anderson presented the idea again four years later for her senior project, the school voiced concerns again about the workload and funding.
Anderson found sponsors and donors, and her family helped run the ball with her dad, Matt Goodson, as the DJ.
In addition to having a son on the autism spectrum, Anderson’s mom, Kathy Goodson, has worked with people with special needs for about 20 years. After the successful first ball, making it an annual event seemed like a no-brainer.
“As soon as we were done, we just looked at each other and said, ‘We have to keep this going,'” Matt said. “I think we have more fun than the people who come.”
“It has just turned out to be a huge success,” Anderson said. “More and more people come every year.”
This year, the ball is sponsored by Royal Theaters and Homestead Pizza and Bowling. They also have a GoFundMe to help cover costs.
“My favorite part is getting to see all the special needs out there having a great time, getting to not feel different in a crowd,” Anderson said.
The Special Needs Christmas Ball is on Dec. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 2071 12th Street, Idaho Falls.
