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Gib Hunt, 94, hasn't danced for more than 15 years, ever since her husband died.
But Thursday, many residents at her home in Alpine Springs Assisted Living and Cottage said they were astounded to see her waltzing across the makeshift dance floor dozens of times.
Hunt was one of about 50 residents to take part in the second annual "Young at Heart Senior Citizens Prom," organized by the Chi Omega sorority and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. The Alpine Springs dining area was decorated with balloons, and members of Chi Omega and Delta Sigma Phi served refreshments and played music from the 1940s and 1950s, and more recent hits by the Beatles and Huey Lewis.
"Some of them might not have had a prom experience in the past," said James George, Delta Sigma Phi spokesman and philanthropy chairman. "We're putting this on for them so they would have a really fun night."
While some residents were unable to dance, many dared to challenge the younger generation on the dance floor. Chi Omega and Delta Sigma Phi prepared for the dance by hiring a dance instructor to teach them dances such as the fox trot and the waltz.
"It's fantastic that all these people have come, and these people from our building have come down," 76-year-old Isabel Aird said.
Students and organizers of the event said it was their way of giving back to the community in a fun and original way.
"They bring an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm," Alpine Springs Activities Director Tracie Poupa said. "We're having an absolutely wonderful time here tonight."
Hazel Gardner, who was bound to a wheelchair for the evening, said it was a pleasure to see the students come and visit with her. Gardner, 102, has spent all her life in the Eugene area, and has six children, 18 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
"I think my dancing days are over, but I like to watch," Gardner said.
Students chatted with Alpine Springs residents, sipped punch and munched on snacks before dancing. Bob Wearne, 78, was constantly surrounded by Chi Omega members.
"You should come here more often," he told them, smiling.
Most of the residents were in their late 80s and 90s, and Poupa said she was pleased to see the two different generations mingle.
"The (students) are very respectful of the senior citizens," Poupa said, adding that Chi Omega and Delta Sigma Phi members overlooked many of the seniors' disabilities and danced with them anyway.
"Our house was really looking forward to this," Chi Omega spokeswoman Hillary Jahnke said.
Contact the reporter
at romangokhman@dailyemerald.com.
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