Vermillion restaurant hosts prom for local community

Bunyan’s Bar and Grill hosted its 10th annual prom at their restaurant Saturday night. The event welcomed the Vermillion public to come together for a cause to support a fellow community member.

This year, the restaurant raised funds for Leo Taggart to assist him with medical and travel expenses after suffering a stroke. Heidi Schoellerman, owner of Bunyan’s, said the restaurant prides itself on reaching out to those in need. 

“Our mission is always to help the community and make sure we are trying to be as supportive of our community as possible. We’ve used this event to help kids, cancer patients and other organizations like the backpack program,” Schoellerman said.

After Schoellerman’s husband attended a similar prom event in Nebraska, the two decided they wanted to continue the tradition in South Dakota. 

During the prom event, the regular kitchen was closed and people could enjoy the presence of one another. Liza Felber, a waitress at the restaurant, said this was a great way for the public to come together.

“Since this is a smaller town, everyone knows everyone and so this is a great way for people to further connect. It’s not something that a lot of places usually do, but I’m really glad that Bunyan’s does,” Felber said.

Adults and children were invited to the prom, with children permitted to stay until 10 p.m. Those attending were encouraged to provide at least a ten-dollar donation at the door to help Taggart. Guests could enjoy hors d’oeuvres, dancing and socializing with one another. Other activities to partake in included a silent auction and a door raffle drawing. The theme was retro tie-dye and attendees were encouraged to dress up in elegant prom dresses for the prom. People were welcome to come and go at their convenience.

Brian and Holly Steffen have attended the restaurant’s annual prom for several years. Brian said the event emphasized the importance of bringing everyone together for a good cause.

“We’ve been coming to this event every year and it’s always a great time. It’s great to be able to support someone each year and get to know other people,” Brian said.

All proceeds were gifted to Taggart who was also in attendance at the event surrounded by several of his family members and friends.