WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- Going to the prom is a highlight in many teenagers ' lives . But attending a prom is n't always an option for some young people , including those with special needs . Alex Gonzales passes under the Marines ' sword arch Saturday in Washington as he arrives at the prom . That 's where Helen McCormick comes in . `` We are dreaming for children who are excluded from their proms , and ... you 're going to see people walk through the doors who are going to be just absolutely mesmerized , '' said McCormick , president of a Virginia-based nonprofit called The House , Inc. For the past four years , McCormick has organized a prom specifically for children with special needs . This year 's prom , dubbed `` The Cinderella Ball , '' was held Saturday night at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington . More than 150 teens attended the gala , where they were greeted by 41 Marines . Each one of the teens went down a red carpet , under a Marine Corps sword arch , before being seated for dinner . Watch scenes from the spectacular prom » . `` The children that will be coming are various disabled children with kidney ( ailments ) , children that are literally terminally ill , children with cerebral palsy , Down syndrome and autism , '' McCormick said before the event . Norman Gonzales brought his 13-year-old son , Alex . `` Their social life is very limited at school and outside school as well , so something like this is very good because they come to a place where they find themselves with people that they can relate to , '' Gonzales said . This was Alex Gonzales ' first prom and he said he had a great time . `` Coming to an event like this -- I think it 's a great experience , '' he said . The entertainment for the evening was 2007 `` American Idol '' winner Jordin Sparks . `` I think it 's so amazing with all the kids that they get to have their prom . They get to dress up and feel really beautiful and have this night dedicated to them , '' Sparks said . Most of the teens attending the prom were accompanied by a parent or friend . Some of them brought dates . It was a night many of them said they would n't forget anytime soon . Victor Padgett attended the festivities with his daughter , Dede . He said events like these prove that the human spirit is alive and well . `` There is hope . There is love , and there is compassion for everyone , '' he said .
`` The Cinderella Ball '' is held at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington . Teens with illnesses , autism , Down syndrome get to attend a prom of their own . Teens go down a red carpet and under a Marine Corps sword arch before dinner . They are then escorted by military escorts into the ballroom for the dance floor performances. 2007 `` Idol '' winner Jordin Sparks .