Purple Cat prom pays tribute to its first client

STRUTHERS — For prom, Purple Cat client Carmen Jones painted her nails red and chose a red bow tie to match.

The bow tie was a nod to the event’s theme, “Joe Gallagher’s Birthday.”

Purple Cat, a company dedicated to adults with mental and physical challenges, and its partner nonprofit organization, Golden String, host a prom every year.

This year, the party fell on the birthday of Joe Gallagher, the first Purple Cat client.

Gallagher, who had Down syndrome, died in 2011 at age 69.

To pay tribute to Gallagher, many attendees this evening wore suspenders and bow ties – Gallagher’s typical outfit – to prom, which took place at the St. Nicholas Church Great Hall.

Organizers also gave out bow ties as party favors and served ice cream sandwiches, Gallagher’s favorite dessert.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com