WESTFIELD – There are two unique ways in the city to support Western Mass. Mom Prom, which annually sponsors an evening of pampering for women cancer survivors.
The 2016 Mom Prom is planned Nov. 12 at the Springfield Marriott and organizers have plans for a Scrapbook Day on June 4 at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Broad Street to raise funds for the annual event.
“We realized early on in planning this fabulous event that we need funds early in the year to pay for deposits on certain Mom Prom features, such as the disc jockey and the photo booth,” said Amanda Brodkin, one of the chairpersons of the 2016 Mom Prom. “Holding our Scrapbook Day in June helps us raise these funds.”
Brodkin said she has attended several “Ready … Set … Crop for a Cause” scrapbook days hosted by Tiffany Call.
“Tiffany and I met at a scrapbooking weekend in Vermont in 2005,” said Brodkin. “I have always been impressed by her events because she brings her entire scrapbooking shop to the event.”
On-site shopping for participants will include cardstock, pattern paper, adhesives and embellishments. Individuals will also have free use of a tool station which includes two Cricut electronic die cut systems and 30 cartridges, a Big Shot embossing system and folders, and a variety of punches. Wi-Fi will be available for those who scrap digitally. Twenty percent of sales will be donated to Western Mass. Mom Prom.
“Tiffany puts together a crowd-pleasing soundtrack for the day, and she is incredibly knowledgeable about scrapbooking techniques and designs,” said Brodkin. “It is always a good time.”
Participants will also have a chance to win great prizes at the Scrapping Raffle Table with 100 percent of raffle ticket sales donated to Mom Prom.
Brodkin noted that the event is unique because like Mom Prom itself, the scrapbooking day is a way for busy women to take time for themselves without spending a lot of money.
“Most of the scrap bookers I know have hundreds of photos and tons of ideas for what to do with those photos, but very little opportunity to carve out the time to work on their projects,” said Brodkin. “Having a dedicated scrapbooking day gives scrappers from Westfield and nearby areas 12 uninterrupted hours of time to dig into their photos and turn their memories into magic.”
The event is planned in the church’s Fellowship Hall from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and the cost is $45 or $35 if you bring a main dish to share. The day includes beverages, lunch, dinner and snacks.
“We provide lunch and dinner, so there is no cooking or cleaning for the participants,” said Brodkin. “Scrapbooking days are rejuvenating for the creative soul, and you almost always end up making new friendships.”
To register or for more information, contact Brodkin at (603) 997-2713 or Call at (978) 877-2143. The fellowship hall can accommodate up to 50 scrap bookers so early registration is advised. Each participant will have four feet of table space to work on their projects.
“Residents should attend the scrapbooking day because it is a chance to support a great event like Western Mass. Mom Prom while making a dent in your pile of ‘to be scrapped’ photos and projects,” said Brodkin. “It’s a chance to spend the day with friends old and new.”
Mom Prom fundraising events began in Michigan in 2005 and now span 21 states. Each Mom Prom is locally organized and benefits whatever cause the local organizers choose to support. In 2014, the Western Mass. Mom Prom chaired by Crystal Miller made its debut.
“The Western Mass. Mom Prom is a loving tribute to raise funds for breast cancer to privately honor a friend and young mother that I and my friend Shannon Brown, lost two years ago,” said Miller. “We are proud to host nominated local female cancer survivors who have or have had any type of cancer for a lovely and fun ladies’ night out.”
Miller said nominated women receive an evening out that includes a sponsored ticket, professional hair and make-up services, gourmet dinner, dancing, a photo booth, and a new gown. Funds raised at this year’s event will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk which targets initiatives throughout the Pioneer Valley.
“The women attend with their friends, sisters, daughters, or co-workers, all in the name of partying with a purpose,” said Miller, adding the event is open to the public.
Miller also acknowledged Bright Sail Dry Cleaners & Alterations on Southwick Road for their partnership with Western Mass. Mom Prom.
“I am a customer of Bright Sail Dry Cleaners and this year the owner and my friend, Alla Bazukin, lost a dear sister-in-law to cancer,” said Miller. “The partnership with Mom Prom became a natural progression of our friendship, as she and her husband, Alex, became more familiar with me and what I do for Mom Prom.”
Miller added that the couple renovated a portion of their new location to house the dresses which is now known as the Pink Pass Dress Shop.
“Each dress is only $30,” said Miller. “Survivors registered with Mom Prom will receive their dresses for the 2016 event for free.”
Brodkin added that Mom Prom possesses dozens of gowns in a range of sizes from 4 to 22 that have been donated by In White Bridal and by private individuals.
“Bright Sail Dry Cleaners has partnered with us to act as our gown warehouse,” said Brodkin. “Some of the gowns are pre-owned; many are new with tags still on, and all gowns are available for purchase by any buyer for $30.”
Brodkin noted that cancer survivors who are attending Mom Prom may choose and keep a gown for free.
“Shoppers may try on gowns in Bright Sail’s dressing room,” said Brodkin. “All proceeds raised from gown sales go to Mom Prom toward survivors’ tickets since Bright Sail is donating the space.”
Brodkin said that Mom Prom also welcomes donations of new and gently worn gowns.
“Women supporting women through their toughest battle, and celebrating life, this is Mom Prom,” added Miller.
For more information on Western Mass. Mom Prom, including purchasing tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.westernmassmomprom.com.
