Mom Prom Brings a Second Chance at Prom to Walnut Creek

WALNUT CREEK, CA — A new event is giving women across the Bay Area a chance to relive prom night—this time with a purpose.

Mom Prom, a grown-up take on the traditional high school experience, will debut Friday, May 8, at the Ultimate Fieldhouse in Walnut Creek. The event is part of a nationwide fundraising effort that began in Michigan in 2006 and has since expanded to communities across the country.

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The evening will include music, dancing, and formal attire, while aiming to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment.

“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,” co-organizer Danielle Eppinga said.

The event is open to all women, not just mothers, including “plant moms, dog moms, or anyone who identifies as a bad*ss woman,” Eppinga added.

Eppinga was inspired to bring Mom Prom to the Bay Area after attending an event in Michigan, where she saw women ranging in age from 21 to 90 celebrating together. She partnered with her sister-in-law and friend, Libby Eppinga, to launch the local event.

The evening will be co-hosted by Amelia Schimmel, the first female public address announcer for the Athletics, and Ruby Lopez, in-game host for the Oakland Athletics and former Golden State Warriors host.

Proceeds will benefit Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area, which provides free services including counseling, education, nutrition, and exercise programs for people impacted by cancer. A new support center is currently being developed in Lafayette to expand services in the region.

The cause is personal for the organizers. Eppinga’s stepmother died of cancer, and her father received grief counseling through the organization.

“I love when we can recycle the bad and the sad and make it into an empowerment situation,” Libby Eppinga said.

Organizers hope this first event will grow in the coming years and continue building community connections.

To read more about the event and get additional details, visit: https://citylifestyle.com/articles/from-proms-to-purpose