The Purple Cat is working with local youth groups to raise money for people with physical and mental disabilities, and to show them a good time. They hosted the annual Purple Cat Prom at St. Nicholas Parish in Struthers Friday night. About 40 kids from a few church youth groups in the area volunteered to help with the event. Purple Cat came up with the Candy Land theme. Shanice Saint-Thomas, of Youngstown, said volunteering is rewarding. "Some people, they like, I hate to say it, but they get scared of these types of people, but I feel they're the most innocent people that I've ever met and for me to do this for them is heartwarming." Of course, with every prom, there is a king and queen. This year, it was Walter Mootz and Deanna Lucido. Money raised from the event will go toward the Purple Cat's nonprofit.

Volunteer says Purple Cat Prom is ‘heartwarming’

The annual Purple Cat Prom was at St. Nicholas Parish in Struthers

Nathan Lehota

STRUTHERS, Ohio (WKBN) – The Purple Cat is working with local youth groups to raise money for people with physical and mental disabilities, and to show them a good time.

They hosted the annual Purple Cat Prom at St. Nicholas Parish in Struthers Friday night.

About 40 kids from a few church youth groups in the area volunteered to help with the event.

Purple Cat came up with the Candy Land theme.

Shanice Saint-Thomas, of Youngstown, said volunteering is rewarding.

“Some people, they like, I hate to say it, but they get scared of these types of people, but I feel they’re the most innocent people that I’ve ever met and for me to do this for them is heartwarming.”

Of course, with every prom, there is a king and queen. This year, it was Walter Mootz and Deanna Lucido.
Money raised from the event will go toward the Purple Cat’s nonprofit.