A Night to Remember
Masquerade themed adult prom gives Rome residents a chance to party downtown and support the Alzheimer’s Association
The masquerade-themed adult prom is a chance to party and support the Alzheimer’s Association.
Fortwo years an adult prom has brought Rome residents downtown to dance the night away while helping those with Alzheimer’s.
This year, A Night To Remember Adult Prom will once again offer music, drinks and even a prom king and queen to those lucky enough to get tickets to the popular event.
This year’s prom will take place May 13 at the Forrest Place Ballroom and will feature a Masquerade theme.
“We do semi formal, black tie optional,” said organizer Charisse Durham. “But every year there are people who really get into the theme and dress up. It makes it so much more fun for them and everyone. This year’s Masquerade theme has already gotten people thinking about what they’ll wear. I’ve had people tell me they’ll do everything from superheroes to the French court to V for Vendetta.”
Durham said some people see the event as their second chance to attend a prom they may never had a chance to attend. Others see it as a big party downtown where they can let loose and have a fun night with other adults.
“And everyone sees it as a chance to help out the Alzheimer’s Association,” she added. “We’re coming together for a good time and to support a great cause.”
On the night of the event, prom-goers will actually begin the festivities on the sidewalk in front of the Forrest Place Ballroom.
Professional photographer William Graves Photography will be photographing guests arriving at the event while a videographer also captures the entire thing. Organizers will transform the ballroom into a masquerade with a large backdrop for guests to have their photos taken.
“We have a really cool photo backdrop of masqueraders in Opera Alley,” Durham said. “As guests come in, they can have their photos taken in front of the backdrop which should make for great photos.”
Like most proms, this one will have a prom court. Each year a prom court is chosen and each person’s fundraising efforts will determine the prom king and queen who will be announced at the end of the evening.
This year’s court includes Arion Bass (Prom12), Terri Ainsworth (Prom13), Misty Traylor (Prom14), Jill Salter (Prom15), Brad Roberson (Prom16), Greg Jackson (Prom17), Craig McDaniel (Prom18) and Jackson Abercrombie (Prom19).
“So far, Brad Roberson (Division Chief of Operations for the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department) and Terri Ainsworth (Assistant Vice President at Greater Community Bank) are the front runners for prom king and queen,” Durham said. “They’ve both raised a lot of money but there’s still time for people to vote for their favorites.
Votes can be made by texting 71777 and typing PROM and the number of the candidate you’re voting for. For example, if you’d like to vote for Arion Bass, you’d type
PROM12. Then hit send and click on the link provided to complete your donation.
The night will begin at 7 p.m. with a reception for the prom court and sponsors at 7 p.m. Doors will open for general admission at 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy a short program as well as music and an open bar. At 10:30 p.m., the court will be introduced and the prom king and queen will be announced.
General admission tickets are $50 per person and are available online at www.anighttorememberromega.com. Even information is also available by searching “A Night to Remember Adult Prom” on Facebook.
“All our net proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association,” Durham said. “The first year we raised more than $13,000. last year it was more than $30,000. Our goal for this year is to exceed $35,000. Last year we served more than 2,300 Floyd County residents living with Alzheimer’s. The money we raise helps provide care, consultation, support groups, education and other resources to these individuals.”
The event is open to those 21 and over. IDs will be checked at the door. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.