Mom will become the center of attention this weekend. But even she wants some time away from the husband and kids to hang out with friends. Friday, Mom Prom Keweenaw sets aside a fun evening for moms and ladies of the Copper Country to enjoy dancing, music and community.
“We have been keeping the tradition alive and we grow what’s called the Local Adoption Assistance Fund for families who are going through that process and we award gifts to help support them financially through that,” said Mom Prom Keweenaw organizer Jen Wall. “So our event is set up so that we can help families in the community and it’s also a great celebration for women in our community to just get together, enjoy one another’s company and, you know, dance the night away.”
Mom Prom Keweenaw was created in 2015 to support a family going through the adoption process. Wall says parents choosing to adopt often face a large financial hurdle to becoming a nuclear family. Continual support for a local adoption fund has helped families identified by UP Kids who can use support.
“We work with them to find families that may have financial needs. And so we grow that fund through this event and then year round families can apply online for financial assistance,” Wall said.
Each year the dance offers a new theme for attendees. This year’s theme, “Pretty in Pink,” has a lot of creative options for moms to take and run with. Wall says she’s heard some may get dressed up in poodle skirts as iconic Grease characters or draw inspiration from a powerhouse in music.
“There’s an 80s movie, but we also know some women are coming as pink ladies from Grease. We have some that might, I mean, it could run the gamut. Taylor Swift, we don’t know. It’ll be a surprise how women decide to match pretty in pink,” Wall said.
Planning for Mom Prom takes a team. Wall says she hopes to bring more of the community to become supporters of the Local Adoption Assistance Fund by getting involved with the event. Individuals begin meeting around August to identify how to make Mom Prom Keweenaw a wonderful evening for ladies of the Copper Country.
“It really is a fun group of women and this week especially is fun for all of us. So we are looking for fresh perspectives and women who want to participate and this year we’re kind of doing a more coordinated effort for that,” Wall said. “We have women all year round say they want to help but now we’re really starting to look for next year’s planning committee.”
The event also gains support from the community through businesses sponsoring Mom Prom or donating items as part of a silent auction.
“It’s called Mom Prom because it’s an opportunity for us to help a woman in the community become a mother through adoption. So if you want to join us and you’re 21 and over and female, you’re welcome to join us in that celebration,” Wall said. “And yes, we do have a donation link on our website, which you can find. It’s at UPKids. If you click on MomProm, it’ll take you to donation link options.”
Keweenaw Mom Prom still has some tickets available for Friday evening. You can purchase a ticket online at the Rozsa Center’s Box Office. Tickets to the event cost $65.
Those interested in helping Mom Prom Keweenaw plan the 2027 fundraiser can learn more about opportunities to get involved online. Planning for the event typically begins around August. Find details for Mom Prom Keweenaw here.
