by Kirby Lindsay, posted 13 May 2011
On Saturday, May 21st, starting at 8p, the second annual Seattle Mom Prom will fill the Fremont Abbey Arts Center with fun-seeking females. Don’t let the name fool you, ladies. This won’t be yet another exercise in finding a date who might dance, and not spend the night grousing about sports. This ‘prom’ contains all the same elements – the opportunity to dress up (or down,) dance, drink and delight in a rockin’ atmosphere – with a large community of fellow moms, all celebrating an evening out!
“I really think of it as a party,” explained organizer Myla Rugge, “a night out for moms.” While it serves as a fundraiser for Postpartum Support International, Rugge admitted that raising funds comes second to her absolute determination that the evening be FUN!
Inspired to Party
“’Mom Prom’ sounded like a good name,” Rugge admitted. Mom Proms actually take place in 30 states, celebrating a variety of causes – with many of them maintaining a strict dress code. Not so for Seattle. “I didn’t want to tell people what to wear,” Rugge explained, “especially new moms.” Some women may choose to dig out the old prom dress, but Rugge welcomes anyone – including those in sweats or jeans. “We don’t do a Prom Queen,” Rugge warned, “although we might do a best dressed…”
“It is women only,” she insisted, “but you do not have to be a mom.” Rugge did acknowledge two men will attend – her husband, Robert Rugge, will be taking photos, and a male DJ will spin the music. Otherwise, the evening is given over to the women, including those adult daughters who chose to invite their moms.
Friends of friends who suffered postpartum depression have come, as a show of support. Rugge didn’t suffer the disorder during her pregnancy, but she sees the cause as a good match to her vision, and an opportunity to raise awareness. She liked that Postpartum Support International has a small board, and only one paid employee – and their cause focuses on the needs, and wellness, of mom.
“I came up with the idea last year,” explained Rugge, mother of a now 3-year-old. “I had no idea it would be so popular,” she admitted, when she described the pre-sale of 137 tickets. It turns out the need for a night off resounded with many, not just her.
“People were relaxed,” Rugge described last year’s party, “because they didn’t have a partner. People weren’t judging each other,” she noticed, “It was very Kumbaya.” She described the community, and how, “I was surprised that women came alone. That they were confident enough to do that.”
What Makes the Party
For her second effort, Rugge specifically sought the Abbey. Last year, some women voiced their desire to chat, without the loud dance music. “The Abbey fit that well,” Rugge acknowledged. Upstairs, in the Great Hall, the DJ can spin 80’s hits, projecting video on the wall, with plenty of room to boogie. Downstairs, in the Abbey Café, relax, snack, chat and get a stylin’ new hair-do (for free!)
Two salons – Pin Up Salon and Lisa Power Salon – will provide their services, starting an hour before the party, including feathered locks (think Steven Tyler from American Idol,) for donations. Donations can also be made with a raffle and silent auction items. The ticket price includes a tiara (for the first 200 attendees,) prizes, and photos (with props and costumes) in the booth, and posted on SmugMug.
As for hors d’oeuvres, moms (and could be/been) can indulge their junk food habit, without tiny tot tattletales, with jelly beans, Red Vines, Pop Rocks, candy necklaces, and chocolate (of course.) Treats will also be provided by Trophy Cupcakes, Dry Soda, and Barefoot Wine, plus a selection of savories from Trader Joe’s.
This ultimate ladies-only bacchanal has tickets available on Brown Paper Tickets, for $35, or at the door ($40.) Or, if you just can’t see yourself sprawling your way to sugar coma, or dancing wildly to ‘Frankie Goes To Hollywood,’ but want to offer that opportunity to a woman who needs a night-off, sponsor an attendee through Brown Paper.
Seattle Mom Prom has everything a party needs, including being a night off from responsibilities, but without the awkward date! Isn’t it about time for one of those…
(vaguely) Related Articles
- Get Swellegant, Build Community, And Fundraise
- by Kirby Lindsay, February 28, 2011
- A Bonza Halloween In Fancy Dress For Fremont
- by Kirby Lindsay, October 27, 2010
©2011 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.