Dance delights partygoers in Blackberry Twp.

About 40 children and teens had a special time Friday night, at a dance party organized just for them.

The guests - who have various kinds of special needs - were invited to the soiree put on by Chassidy Mangers, 19, a college sophomore from Elburn.

Mangers, who studies speech and language pathology at Augustana College in Rock Island, is spending the summer working for a few families who have children with disabilities.

"I just wanted to be able to provide the opportunity to have a fun evening," she said. "This is all about them."

Finding a way to pay for the party "was my biggest challenge," Mangers said.

The community came through. Mangers got the Blackberry Township Youth Development Commission to sponsor the dance at the Blackberry Township hall. A photographer friend took photos, other volunteers fixed the girls' hair and makeup, and Mangers' grandmother crafted silk boutonnieres and corsages. The DJ donated his services, Suzy's Pizza of Plano provided food, and a Party City store in DeKalb donated balloons.

Guests came from throughout the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association service area.

"This wouldn't have been successful without all the people who donated and volunteered," Mangers said of the 25 to 30 people who helped out.

The guests enjoyed having their hair and nails done and playing games and dancing.

"It's such a rewarding night ... to see everyone's reaction. The hard work is definitely worth it," Mangers aid.

"The parents are very excited to see their kids jump in. It's great to see them try different things. A child wanted her nails painted, and at home it's not something she lets her mom do."

Joey Duesler, 9, of Lily Lake had a splendid evening.

"I love playing Uno with my brother and family," she said.

• Daily Herald photographer Laura Stoecker contributed to this report.