'Mom Prom': Big Hair, Tacky Dresses, Good Cause

Katie Long has watched with sisterly pride as "Mom Prom" has grown from an accidental fun night out to an international phenomenon. Last month her sister, Betsy Crapps of Canton, OH, and founding mother of all Mom Proms, was featured on "Good Morning America," for the success of her big, crazy – and totally fun idea. 

Long wanted to extend the fun, which has a charitable twist, to Nashua, so she's organized Mom Prom NH 2012, set for April 28 at the Radisson Hotel, from 7 to 11 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer Center.

"Mom Prom is an absolute blast," said Long, of Nashua.  "Betsy started this idea a few years ago, and it's really taking off. We decided to join in on the fun to raise money and awareness for a charity important to us."

On April 28 women who love to dress up and dance the night away are invited to recreate their best prom night fashion statement and just show up. Dig out your old prom dress, if it fits, or wear something from your current "girls night out" collection.

Nashua's Mom Prom is one of 30 Mom Proms scheduled around the country this year on Mom Prom weekend, April 27-29. Her sister will be joining her in Nashua for the April 28 event.

The main objective is to have a great time – with one difference from your high school prom – it's ladies only.

"It's so much fun to plan to spend the night out with your friends, your sisters, your mom, your grandmom," long said.

She loves the idea because it's off the beaten walk-a-thon path.

"A lot of money-raising events require a lot of the participants to either run a 5K or walk 60 miles in three days. We love this idea because anyone can join in on the fun while we raise money," Long said.

Plus, there's no training required for this  – unless it involves getting your bangs to stand up straight at a 90-degree angle like they did back in the '80s.

Long and her friends decided to book a hotel room for the night so they can extend the fun beyond the ballroom. Last year they threw together a scaled-down version of Mom Prom, but with only five weeks to plan, it wasn't a huge event.

This year they're pulling out all the stops.

"We have a DJ, special lighting, a photo booth, food, an open bar, a photographer and a great location – and awesome silent auction items," Long said. [See the list of silent auction items posted with this story.]

There will be a Prom Queen crowned, but it's not a popularity contest, Long said. Winner is chosen by playing a game. And prom photos will be taken with celebrity cardboard cutouts, which this year will include Patrick Swayze from the scene in "Dirty Dancing" where he's dancing with Jennifer Gray, "...only we cut her head off," Long said.

Capacity for this year's Mom Prom is 220, and tickets are selling fast. As of last weekend, there were only about 60 tickets left to sell.

"We're hoping to sell out," Long said.

"I did have a lot of fun at my actual prom, but I don't care how good your prom was, it's still high school and it's still awkward; you're never quite sure how to act. I love Mom Prom because it's all the great parts of prom, minus the bad parts. You don't have to worry about having a date, or how you look; you don't have to worry about your date not wanting to dance," Long said. "We try to eliminate all the negative parts, and make it just a great night to remember, for a really good cause."

Cost of a Mom Prom ticket is $50. You can find more information at www.mompromnashua.org, or register for the event here.