The Special Needs Christmas Ball returns for the fourth year

IDAHO FALLS – The Southeast Idaho Special Needs Christmas Ball returns for its fourth year.

Anyone in the community with special needs is invited to enjoy dinner and dancing for free.

Kenadie Anderson worked with people with special needs in high school and loved it. She led 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 suggested the “Special Needs Christmas Ball” for his final project. Anderson says Skyline High School initially rejected the project.

When Anderson reintroduced the idea four years later for her senior project, the school again expressed concerns about the workload and funding.

Anderson found sponsors and donors, and her family helped run the ball, with her father, Matt Goodson, serving as DJ.

Anderson’s mother, Kathy Goodson, not only has a son on the autism spectrum, but has worked with people with special needs for about 20 years. After the successful first ball, it seemed like a no-brainer to make it an annual event.

“As soon as we finished, we just looked at each other and said, ‘We have to keep doing this,'” Matt said. “I think we have more fun than the people who come.”

“It 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 cover costs.

“My favorite part is seeing all the special needs people out there having a great time and not feeling different in the crowd,” Anderson said.

The Special Needs Christmas Ball will be held December 14th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 2071 12th Street, Idaho Falls.