Second Chance Prom to serve as benefit, celebration

By DAN KEGLEY/Staff

Public attendance at fundraisers helping the families of two law enforcement officers this winter and spring has remained strong, and an organizer of a fun event set for May 10 with that serious purpose expects a substantial turnout again.
Ken Heath said response has been strong since he began promoting a Second Chance Prom as “a night of celebration of the lives of these two courageous men, and an opportunity for couples to enjoy an evening of dancing in historic downtown Marion.”
Marion Police Sergeant Keith Clark died in January, and the following month Virginia State Police Trooper Kris Chapman was almost killed when a drunk driver slammed into the trooper’s cruiser as it sat on the shoulder of Interstate 81 at Seven Mile Ford.
“Many of us didn’t go to our proms, and those who did, probably didn’t go with the person we’re with now,” said co-organizer Ken Heath. “This is a chance for us all to come out, come together, have a great time, and raise some money to help these families.”
Heath said the Second Chance Prom idea came to him shortly after Chapman’s accident. Heath will donate his services as a DJ for the event.
“I don’t have a lot of talent other than playing music, and I thought this would be something I could do to help,” Heath said. At this time of the year when younger people are going to their high school proms, it seemed natural to hold one for those beyond high school.
Heath’s collection of music contains a little bit of everything, he said. “I’ve done all-country weddings,” as well as a hip-hop gig that apparently helped him find the edges of his musical familiarity. In between, he’s got the party waterfront covered.
The Second Chance Prom will feature “good-time party music, some shagging music, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s,” he said.
He can also pull out music from the ‘40s and ‘50s he plays for class reunions.
“If someone asks for a song, we can probably play it in some form,” he said.
According to Heath, local businesses are selling advance tickets and donating a portion of their proceeds from their shops to the event.
Other volunteers are providing food, punch, and decorations to create that prom feel.
“We want it to be like an old-fashioned prom,” Heath said.

The Basics
Second Chance Prom benefiting VSP Trooper Kris Chapman and family and the family of Marion Police Sergeant Keith Clark.
Saturday, May 10, 7-11 p.m.
Garden Party Room adjacent to Main Street Gifts and Eatery in downtown Marion.
Tickets are $25 per couple and include finger foods, soft drinks, and punch.
For ticket locations, for additional information, to donate, or to volunteer, please contact Ken Heath at 783-4190.