PAST EVENTS.
Our Journey So Far
We’ve come a long way in a short time—and every step has been powered by community, compassion, and a shared belief in inclusion for all. Since launching in October 2024, the We Are One Foundation has hosted dozens of unforgettable moments across Northeast Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. From sensory-friendly movie screenings to inclusive sports and seasonal celebrations, each event has been free, welcoming, and designed with love for individuals with special needs, their families, and caregivers.
Below is a glimpse at the smiles and memories created together.
6th Annual It's A Very Special Halloween Dance with S.A.F.E.
The 6th Annual It’s a Very Special Halloween Dance was nothing short of magical! This year’s celebration was bigger and better than ever as the S.A.F.E. Families joined the We Are One Foundation to host the largest Halloween Dance yet in Weatherly, PA. What began in 2019 as a small gathering inspired by our son Kobe’s love for dancing has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated inclusive Halloween events, bringing together individuals with special needs and disabilities, along with their families, caregivers, and friends, for a day of music, movement, and connection.
The 2025 event was filled with laughter, energy, and endless smiles. Guests arrived in their not-so-spooky costumes, enjoyed delicious snacks and refreshments, and danced the afternoon away to a fantastic mix of music from DJ Petrilla. Games, pumpkin decorating, and photo opportunities added to the fun, creating moments that captured the true spirit of inclusion.
Thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers, community partners, and sponsors, this year’s dance became a beautiful reminder of what can happen when people come together to celebrate for the common good. It was a day filled with friendship, acceptance, and the kind of happiness that lasts long after the music stops.
Sensory Friendly Chuck E Cheese Event
The We Are One Foundation, in partnership with the S.A.F.E. organization, recently hosted a free sensory-friendly play experience at Chuck E. Cheese for children and adults with disabilities, autism, and other special needs. This private event was part of Sensory Friendly Sunday, where the environment was thoughtfully adapted to reduce sensory overload while keeping the fun at the center of the experience. Lights and music were lowered, background noise and visual distractions were minimized, and the space featured safe floor lighting and trained staff who created a welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere for every guest.
Each registered VIP enjoyed two hours of unlimited gameplay, along with pizza, drinks, dessert, and a special We Are One gift bag to take home. Family members, caregivers, and groups joined in the fun, with game passes and snacks included for VIPs, while additional play points and food could be purchased on-site by accompanying guests.
The event reflected our ongoing commitment to building an inclusive world where participants can engage at their own pace, enjoy social connection without stress, and truly feel that they belong.
Summer Movie Series at Regal Cinema
The We Are One Foundation Summer Movie Series brought together over 200 attendees for four free, sensory-friendly movie experiences designed for individuals of all ages with autism, disabilities, and other special needs, along with their families, caregivers, and groups. Hosted at Regal Cinemas in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, each screening featured lower sound, adjusted lighting, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a welcoming, judgment-free environment where guests could relax and enjoy the movie at their own pace.
By eliminating cost, sensory, and social barriers, the Summer Movie Series created inclusive events that celebrated connection, joy, and belonging. More than just movies, these afternoons highlighted the We Are One Foundation’s mission of building accessible, inclusive community events for individuals with disabilities—because when we come together, We Are One.
We Are One Inaugural Kickball Game
We’ve come a long way in a short time—and every step has been powered by community, compassion, and a shared belief in inclusion for all. Since launching in October 2024, the We Are One Foundation has hosted dozens of unforgettable moments across Northeast Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. From sensory-friendly movie screenings to inclusive sports and seasonal celebrations, each event has been free, welcoming, and designed with love for individuals with special needs, their families, and caregivers.
The Aloha Dance
The We Are One Foundation’s Aloha Dance brought the spirit of Hawaii to life in a vibrant celebration designed for individuals with special needs and disabilities, their families, and caregivers. With tropical décor, lively music, and a welcoming atmosphere, guests filled the dance floor and shared moments of joy, laughter, and connection.
Staying true to our mission of inclusion, the Aloha Dance was free of charge and thoughtfully planned with accessibility in mind. From sensory-friendly considerations to the support of dedicated volunteers, every detail reflected the meaning of “aloha”—love, respect, and unity. It was one more step toward an inclusive world, carried on the warm breeze of Hawaii.
We Are One Craft Event
The We Are One Foundation recently hosted a Craft Event filled with creativity, laughter, and connection. Families, caregivers, and individuals of all ages joined us to paint, bead, and make seasonal projects together. Every activity was set up to be welcoming and accessible, so everyone could take part and shine.
It was a beautiful day of art and friendship, reminding us why we do what we do—creating spaces where everyone belongs. Thank you to our amazing volunteers, sponsors, and community for helping us bring this event to life.
A Night with Santa and the Polar Express Movie
In December '24, the We Are One Foundation hosted a Polar Express Movie Night with Santa, a holiday event created for individuals with special needs of all ages, along with their families and caregivers. Guests enjoyed a screening of The Polar Express with hot cocoa, cookies, and a welcoming environment that encouraged everyone to relax, participate, and celebrate together.
The evening also included a visit from Santa Claus, giving children and adults the chance to meet him, share holiday wishes, and take photos. This special night reflected our mission of offering free, inclusive events that bring people together and create lasting holiday memories for the special needs community.
It's a Very Special Halloween Dance '24
November '24, the We Are One Foundation proudly hosted the 5th Annual It’s A Very Special Halloween Dance in Weatherly, PA—an event that holds a special place in our hearts as the one that started it all. What began as a small gathering inspired by our son Kobe’s love of dancing has grown into a tradition that brings together individuals with special needs of all ages, their families, caregivers, groups and friends for an unforgettable night of music, costumes, and community spirit.
Year after year, the success of this dance has been made possible through the incredible support of the local community, fire and police departments, close friends and family, and local school sports teams who volunteer their time. Guests enjoyed festive Halloween décor, not-so-spooky costumes, dancing to DJ Petrilla, balloon art, pumpkin painting, games, and crafts—all designed to ensure everyone felt included and celebrated. Over the past five years, the event has grown into a cornerstone of our mission—creating free, inclusive, and joyful experiences where everyone belongs. Together, we are building an inclusive world, one smile at a time, and the Very Special Halloween Dance continues to be proof of what can happen when a community comes together to celebrate inclusion, fun, and the spirit of togetherness.
