The Columbus Dispatch
Dust off those overly ruffled, puffy-sleeved party frocks; fluff your hair to the heavens with enough Aqua Net to destroy the ozone layer; and get ready to relive that adolescent rite of passage known as the high school prom—more specifically, the proms of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Regardless of your age or when you graduated high school, you can enjoy a flashback to the era when we were livin’ on a prayer, life was footloose, and girls just wanted to have fun. The ‘Mom Prom’ is a place where partygoers can wear their old prom dresses and tuxedos to dance the night away (or “bust a move,” in 1989 parlance). Set for Feb. 11, in the Huntington Field Club at Lower.com Field, the event benefits Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
Now in its second year, the Mom Prom began with a seed of an idea planted by Erika Jurrens-Hutchison in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when social pickings were slim and people only dreamed of a big night out.
“We were sitting on my back patio, maybe eight or nine women, talking about what’s going to happen when we get out of (the pandemic),” said Jurrens-Hutchison, 41, of Upper Arlington.
“I really wanted to do something that is women-organized, women-driven—an event for women that raises money for a worthy cause. These women started to rally around this. We wondered what would be a fun event, and as we talked about fun events from our pasts, prom came up and we all wished we could redo it. We all have historic moments from our prom—good, bad and ugly.”
Jurrens-Hutchison, who had just joined the Make-A-Wish governing board at the time, thought a prom would be a prime opportunity to “raise money for these amazing children who deserve to have their wishes granted,” so she rang up her “partner in crime,” Ali Dorsett, a close friend and a member of the Make-A-Wish advisory board.
“Erika hit the nail on the head: We knew we had groups of women who, when given the opportunity, wanted to make a difference,” said Dorsett, 35, of Upper Arlington. “All of our friends were in. To get all these people who want to make a difference together in one room, that’s what made it.”
Both Jurrens-Hutchison and Dorsett had earlier experiences with Make-A-Wish’s young recipients that spurred them to become involved with the organization and eventually coordinate Mom Prom.
“We kind of hit the ground running. We’re double trouble,” Dorsett said, chuckling. “We care so much about the cause.”
Last year’s prom raised $40,000, which grants about four wishes to children with critical illnesses. “This year, we hope to double that. We will double everything this year,” Jurrens-Hutchison said.
“Erika and I, being these competitive-minded people, want to make it bigger each year,” Dorsett added.
The Mom Prom debuted with an ‘80s theme that was so well-received the DJ played overtime because song requests—each requiring a donation—kept pouring in.
Last year’s prom raised $40,000, which grants about four wishes to children with critical illnesses. “This year, we hope to double that. We will double everything this year,” Jurrens-Hutchison said.
“Erika and I, being these competitive-minded people, want to make it bigger each year,” Dorsett added.
The Mom Prom debuted with an ‘80s theme that was so well-received the DJ played overtime because song requests—each requiring a donation—kept pouring in.
As much as she loved the prom of her teen years, Jurrens-Hutchison said last year’s do-over came with a bonus. “Getting to redo it as an adult with your adult friends and a lot of amazing women around you raising money for a good cause, it was a pretty amazing opportunity,” she said.
The success of the first prom convinced Jurrens-Hutchison and Dorsett to reprise the throwback theme for 2023.
“It’s back by popular demand. We’ve had a lot of folks asking to go bigger this year and it will be bigger, given that we’re at the Columbus Crew stadium,” Jurrens-Hutchison said.
Dorsett emphasized that vintage prom wear isn’t a must-have for the event—attendees are welcome to wear other attire.
“Whatever dress you want to wear, whether it’s from your high school prom or not, wear whatever you would like to wear, even if it’s an ‘80s workout outfit,” she said.
And it doesn’t matter if you’re not a mom—this prom is for everyone.
“We don’t care if you’re an earth mama, pet mama, plant mama, human mama … whatever kind of mama you want to claim to be,” said Jurrens-Hutchison, who plans to wear “lots of sequins.”
“If you want your date to be your husband, partner, your best male friend … we welcome all genders.”
No prom would be complete without a king and queen, so, of course, royalty will be crowned during the Mom Prom. Other highlights will include food and drinks, photo booth opportunities and the chance to bid on live and silent auction items, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish. VIP ticketholders will receive early admission, specialty themed cocktails and “ridiculously awesome” swag bags.
“This will be a hallmark year for Mom Prom,” Jurrens-Hutchison said.
