Photo courtesy of Margaret Cochran.
The audience giving a standing ovation for a performer of Dinnertainment 2014.
The Exceptional Foundation will be holding its 2nd annual Dinnertainment fundraiser on Friday, September 11 at The Country Club of Birmingham.
The foundation is a non-profit organization that provides social and recreational activities, such as dancing, music and art, for people with mental and physical needs. The fundraiser will allow performers to show off their talents while also raising money for a good cause.
"It's kind of fun to see their imagination go and how they are so into entertaining," said Tricia Kirk, executive director of The Exceptional Foundation. "That was part of the idea behind it. We knew our guys love the stage ... We know they have it in them."
The event will have a larger stage and runway than last year's, and based off of last year's event, the fundraiser is sure to be full of surprises, Kirk said.
Last year, Sam, a performer, asked for a round of applause for his mother before he began his performance.
"We really don't control what [the performers] have to say, and you kind of hold your breath during all of this fun that it goes off as you rehearse," Kirk said.
Kirk said she was proud of the participants at last year’s event and was excited to see the message she wanted the foundation to get across to the public.
"We are special people, and we are a special place for those with special needs, and the message was delivered," Kirk said. "Supporting individuals who are mentally challenged is a privilege."
Tickets are $150 and include a cocktail hour and a seated dinner provided by The Country Club of Birmingham. Proceeds from the event will help fund the foundation.
The Alabama Society of Young CPA's held a golf tournament to help raise money for the event.
For more information on the event, visit exceptionalfoundation.org.