Richard Evans

Mr. Richard Evans has been holding a Halloween party for the mentally disabled for the last 41 years. He began in 1975 when someone asked his band to hold a Halloween party for mentally challenged kids and adults, and he agreed. He bases his parties in American Legion, and works with many clubs, businesses, and schools to get the necessary materials for his event. His has been recognized by the county for his work. He lives in Roanoke and has children and grandchildren.

Mr. Evans is very determined and outgoing to continue these parties, even though he didn’t have any real reason to start. He said, “We’ve been doing this party for the last 41 years. People think that I started this party because I had a relative that’s ID (intellectually disabled), but I don’t. I started this because I was asked, and I’ve continued ever since.” He started in the Hotel Roanoke his first year which he later left for a more handicapped accessible space, and talked with the Totera’s Women’s Club, who have been partners ever since. Many high school and college kids volunteer to help with equipment, materials, and staffing. Bands perform and businesses donate food, gifts, and equipment, so the all the parties have been completely free of charge.

Mr. Evans chose Halloween as the time for the parties because the guests can be anything, not just a mentally disabled person. He said, “The love Halloween the most because it’s the only time that they can be whoever or whatever they want to be.” His kindness and acceptance has also gotten him good friends. He said, “On the first year we threw the party, I met someone named Rickey Sharp who had Down syndrome. We became good friends, and I later promoted him to Honorary Band Manager.”

Mr. Evans is a very kind, accepting, and outgoing person. The purpose of the parties is to make the mentally disabled feel included and happy. His work with the ID changes lives and helps people slip away from their lives and into a brand new world of whatever they want for an evening. He continues this tradition because he knows it positively effects the ID and their families. Mr. Evans’ determination and love for all people make him a worthy Hidden Hero!