High school prom is one of those nights that feels like a milestone—whether you loved it, hated it, or barely remember it. It’s a rite of passage, an evening of dressing up and staying out late with friends. It can also come with plenty of pressure. After all, most people only get one shot at it.
Until now.
Mom Prom, the grown-up version of the teenage tradition, is coming to the Bay Area for the first time on Friday, May 8, at the Ultimate Fieldhouse in Walnut Creek.
The concept, which originated in Michigan in 2006, has since spread across the country as a fundraising franchise. It keeps the best parts of prom while leaving the awkward teenage drama behind. There will still be fancy dresses, a DJ, contests, and awards—but without the angst.
The Ultimate Fieldhouse was chosen for its throwback feel, similar to high school gyms where so many proms are held. The event is open to all women, not just mothers: plant moms, dog moms, or “anyone who identifies as a bad*ss woman,” co-organizer Danielle Eppinga said.
“We are creating a safe space where women can be with women and celebrate each other without that fear of judgment, fear of popularity, fear of the dating game,” Danielle said.
“Prepare to dance your fanny off,” she added.
Danielle discovered Mom Prom a few years ago when she attended one in Michigan. She was struck by the women, ranging in age from 21 to 90, having the time of their lives in their old prom dresses, bridesmaid outfits, or something glamorous and fancy.
Inspired by the experience, Danielle decided to bring the first Bay Area Mom Prom to life. She enlisted her sister-in-law and close friend, Libby Eppinga, as co-organizer.
The event will be co-hosted by Amelia Schimmel, the first female public address announcer for the Athletics, and Ruby Lopez, the in-game host for the Oakland Athletics and a former in-arena host for the Golden State Warriors. Pacific Service Credit Union sponsors Cancer Support Community SF Bay Area and is the title sponsor for this event.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area, where Libby serves as director of donor support. The organization provides free support–counseling, education, nutrition, and exercise–for people impacted by cancer. A new cancer support center is being built in Lafayette for expanded services in the Bay Area.
The choice of beneficiary is also personal. Danielle’s stepmother died of cancer, and her father received grief counseling through the organization.
For Libby, the mission behind the music is what makes the event especially meaningful.
"I love when we can recycle the bad and the sad and make it into an empowerment situation," she said.
Danielle and Libby hope this is just the beginning. The organizers envision the Bay Area event growing and potentially moving to different locations in the future.
For now, they are focused on filling the room with women ready to reclaim prom on their own terms.
For tickets, visit https://paybee.io/in-person-event/cscgala/6#image-0