For many people, prom brings back fond memories of the yester years of high school. This year, however, prom is not just for high school students. On Friday June 6th, 2014 from 7 to 11 PM, Mom Prom will take place at Bogarts in Jacksonville. The Source Newspaper, Girls in White Satin and The Crisis Center cordially invite all local women to attend.
The first ever Mom Prom took place in Canton, MI in 2006. The event was originally created as a ladies night out in order to raise funds for charity. The idea has blossomed and Mom Proms are now being held all across the country.
“A couple of years ago, a friend of mine in Greene County hosted a Mom Prom to raise money for an organization in that area. It was a lot of fun, so I thought it would be cool thing to have in Jacksonville,” says event coordinator, Shelly Hannant.
Much like a real prom, a prom queen will be voted for and crowned that evening. Prizes will also be awarded for the ugliest prom dress, and best hair and makeup. Prom goers will be able to capture this special night by having their Mom Prom picture taken in a photo booth area. Attendees can also bid on several silent auction items, and door prizes will be given away, as well.
“This is the first time that we have ever done a Mom Prom in Jacksonville. You don’t necessarily have to be a mom to attend, it’s just a night out for women to get all dressed up in old prom dresses and go out with a group of girlfriends to dance and have fun,” says Hannant.
Hannant works as a legal advocate for The Crisis Center in Jacksonville, this year’s Mom Prom charity of choice. Funds raised from this event will go towards summer programming for the women and children involved with The Crisis Center, such as art therapy sessions and trips to local swimming pools and water parks.
“A lot of these people’s lives have been very negative and violent, so we want to influence them by having some positive experiences. We want these women and children to get outside, have fun, and not have to worry about things for a little while. Our goal is for them to have some positive reinforcement in their life,” says Hannant.
While all proceeds of this year’s event will given to The Crisis Center, it is Hannant’s hope that the evening will be successful and held again next year, enabling a different charity or organization to benefit. “We currently have four members on the board for this event who are all involved in various organizations that are in need of extra funding. It would be nice if we were able to share the wealth and funding with those other charities, as well,” added Hannant.
Tickets for the event, which includes admission and appetizers, cost $25. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance from Girls in White Satin, The Source Newspaper, and The Crisis Center.
