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Organizers could have said no.

They could have said no a hundred times. No, because a guest might have a medical emergency. No, because challenging behaviors could cause problems. No, because of the enormous question of security.

No could have shut doors.

Instead organizers said yes, a thousand times yes. Yes, to 250 guests with disabilities. Yes, to dinner, dancing, games and photos. Yes, to countless hours spent sorting out endless details to create one incredible night.

Yes prevailed, and doors opened.

A red carpet led up to those doors. Volunteers lined the carpet and cheered as guests with disabilities, my daughter among them, arrived at The Royal Prom in Florence on Sept. 19. Guests' smiles outshone even the glittering prom dresses inside Crossroads church, which offered its facilities for this first-time affair.

Suits of armor, royal banners and depictions of castles decorated the venue. Servers dressed in black and white attended tables set for dinner. Candles glowed on white tablecloths. Volunteer escorts accompanied guests, ages 14 and up, as they dined, played games and hit the dance floor.

Crossroads was one of dozens of churches, ministries, businesses and individuals across Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati that said yes to The Royal Prom. Together they donated about $15,000 in goods and services, organizer Eric Northrup said. Together they created a special night and helped hundreds of people – who have heard no so many times – dance and laugh and celebrate yes together.

Days before the prom, guests were invited to Cinderella's Closet at Immanuel United Methodist for prom dresses and Snooty Fox for suits. Eden Salon & Spa volunteered its stylists to do hair and make-up for guests on prom day. The Secret Garden fashioned corsages and boutonnieres. Chick-fil-A provided dinner, and Gigi's Cupcakes brought dessert. Access Audio made sure the music beat throughout the night, and Leah Barry Photography snapped pictures for guests to take home.

The sponsor list goes on and on and includes Kroger, Snappy Tomato Pizza, Procter & Gamble and Kona Ice. I wish I could mention them all here. In addition, nearly 400 people volunteered to help on prom night.

When I think about the numerous ways that so many people said yes, I am astounded. Imagining disaster ranks as one of my greater skills sets, so I asked Northrup about the things that could have gone wrong, the things that could have led to no.

Sure, organizers had their fears, he said. But Northrup and fellow organizer Peggy Gautraud reached out and pressed on. They worked not to meet special needs, he said, but to meet basic needs – love, acceptance and community. They worked so that all who participated might know that they are – as the prom's tagline says – "Sons & Daughters of the King."

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Cody Young, left, and Logan Kemp strike a pose at The Royal Prom, held in Florence held especially for guests with disabilities. (Photo: Courtesy Leah Barry Photography )
Northrup, who serves teens with disabilities through a Christian ministry called Capernaum, said the event was not intended to be tied to any one organization. Instead, it was designed to bring the community together, create awareness and set a foundation for the prom for years to come.

"I really feel like this whole community has been waiting for something like this," he said. Particularly inspiring were the "older friends with disabilities," he said. Many of them told him they had never experienced a prom.

The prom was a blessing to those who helped too. Dustin DiChiara, owner of Chick-fil-A on Houston Road, was touched by the looks he saw on attendees' faces as they took in everything that was there for them.

"It was one of the most beautiful events I think I've ever been to," DiChiara said. "It was beautiful to see how everyone there was treated equally and valued for the worth and dignity they have as individuals."

Medical issues and disabilities can create fear, doubt, uncertainty and misunderstanding – mighty foes. The people who made this prom happen are heroes to me. They are brave knights in shining armor defending the kings and queens – all guests were crowned – of The Royal Prom. As the mother of a wide-eyed and bedazzled prom-going daughter, I say thank you to everyone who said yes.