Tiaras, broad satin bows, and yards of tulle were the order of the evening at the 3rd annual Saratoga Mom Prom. Over 270 women attended the charity event at the Holiday Inn, with proceeds going to Camp Abilities Saratoga, a one-week overnight summer sports camp for visually impaired children. As per Suzi Ingmire, an organizer, “The only men here are cardboard,” referring to the life-size paper-dolls of hunks such as Johnny Depp, The Roc, and Patrick Swayze. Ingmire said the dance invites women to “rewrite or relive your prom, depending on how you feel about it. Some people had great experiences and some didn’t.”
All ages of women negotiated frock-space on the dance floor, where a DJ spun tunes from across the decades. “The first year we had some ladies in their 90’s were here!” said Ingmire. Gail Veitch, another organizer, said the moderately priced event is about women getting together to raise money for charity. “And about having fun!” she added. Veitch quoted one attendee as saying that the prom “…is all about the sisterhood.”
On line for a photo booth, where prom-goers posed sans male escorts, was Pamela Cuccuini, who was wearing a dress she made of pink duck tape and household found objects. “I’m going for ‘Tackiest Dress!’” said Cuccuini. She was attending with three other friends who work with her at a local salon, where they learned about the prom from clients.
Guests bid on such silent auction prizes as $100 worth of lottery tickets, a gift basket for a baby girl, and four gift baskets themed for the four seasons. Light fare was enjoyed buffet style.
The evening culminated awarding three prizes: Judy DelRe, who won the dance contest, copped a chocolate shoe; Margaret Jones scored the title of “Prom Queen,” and a free ticket to next year’s dance; and – yes – Pamela Cuccuini seized the prize for Tackiest Dress!
