The second annual Mom Prom, benefitting the United Way of Berks County, will be held on Friday, May 2, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Kutztown Fire Company banquet hall.
“I hope moms and daughters, and their friends, share a fun-filled evening together,” said Rebecca Ziegler, Kutztown School District United Way campaign co-chair with Melissa Blatt, who are both faculty members in the Kutztown School District. “Some will go home with lovely raffle prizes as well.”
Every year, the Kutztown Area School District participates in a campaign to raise funds for the United Way of Berks County. Over the past five years or so, the district’s campaign donations have increased nearly three fold, with a donation of nearly $23,500 for their 2013 campaign, according to their release.
“We strongly believe this increase is due to the addition of special events, trips and activities held throughout the school year.”
Mom Prom was created in Canton, Mich., in 2006 as a night out for charity in which women wear their old prom gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses or wedding gowns.
“The event is for women all over the county, and not just moms. We have a couple of moms who are attending with their teenage daughters,” she said. “Women who were never moms. Women who were never married. It is a night out for ladies.’ Being a mom isn’t a prerequisite. “
The purpose of the event is to raise funds for the Kutztown Area School District’s United Way campaign, which supports the United Way of Berks County.
“The idea of Mom Prom is actually a nationwide movement, a ladies’ night out, originating in Michigan in 2006 when ladies from a Canton church got together to raise funds for charity. It’s a chance for women of all ages to get together with their friends, wear old prom gowns or bridesmaids dresses if they like, and dance the night away, all while raising funds for a worthy cause,” said Ziegler.
Ziegler is a mom to two daughters. Kate, age 28, lives in Boston and will not be able to join her at the event. However, her younger daughter, Eryn, age 25, worked as their ticket taker and seller last year and has agreed to do so again this year.
“Do keep in mind, though, that women need not be moms to attend. All women, of all ages, are welcome.”
“I just enjoy seeing women, of all ages and from all career paths, joining together on the dance floor, having fun with their friends and family members. Everyone left last year filled with gratitude for our providing them an opportunity to have such an enjoyable time.”
What was the inspiration for hosting a Mom Prom?
“The United Way committee in the Kutztown Area School District is always looking for ways to raise additional funds for their annual campaign. A committee member had attended a Mom Prom in the Lehigh Valley area a few years ago, benefitting the American Cancer Society, and suggested we give it a try,” she said.
Attendees do not need a date to accompany them.
“In fact, our posters say to “leave your significant other at home”. Tickets are not sold to men. This is a ladies’ night out.”
“We have spouses of some committee members who have agreed to work as our waiters for the evening, hand carrying hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and running raffle prizes to the winners, but they are the only men who attend the event, besides our DJ, Mark Weida of Mark E. Mark’s DJ Services.”
Ziegler emphasized that this is not just a Kutztown School District event.
The Mom Prom is open to any women in the area who wish to attend. It is being held on Friday, May 2 from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Kutztown Fire Company Banquet Hall. The prices of tickets include finger foods, desserts, drinks from 7 – 9 p.m. and dancing. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance by calling 610-683-5452. Formal attire is welcome, but not required or expected.
