By Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer –
HAMPTON, IOWA – Like the Junior/Senior Prom of High School, the Hampton Juniors put on a The First Annual Senior Prom Fundraiser, “It’s a Red Carpet Affair”, at the Franklin County Convention Center Saturday night.
The Seniors refer to the people that depend on the Hampton Senior Citizen Center for a healthy meal and some socializing. The Juniors refer to the people and businesses that help sponsor and support the Center.
Heather Holm and Nadine Goodwin came up with idea about six or seven months ago to have an adult prom for anyone over the age of twenty-one. They planned and organized the dance and the turnout was huge.
“Due to recent lose of some funding to the Senior Center, we wanted to do something that would help to make sure that it stayed opened,” said Heather.
“This is fun and good for everyone,” said Nadine. “It makes us feel young again. It’s nice to have the money going to the Senior Center.”
For a week before the prom, the Seniors at the Center picked and voted on who they wanted as their first Prom King and Queen. The winners were Clarence Stuart Riggins and Mary Feldhoff. “They did such a good job. The decorations are beautiful and people are having fun,” said Mary.
There was a special guest in the midst. Margaret Hungate, at the age of 95, was at her very first prom. “This is my first prom and I’m really enjoying myself,” she said. Margaret didn’t show up to the prom to be a wallflower. She was out on the dance floor with Jim Davies. A short time later, Norm Holm cut in for his dance with Margaret.
Norm and Della Speich attended the prom. “This is fun for the adults, said Della. “The Senior Center is very important for the Seniors. They get healthy meals, play cards and for some, it’s their only get-a-way. It would be a shame if it closed.”
The night had many fun things going on. From 7:00 to 8:30, there was Big Band music for people to dance to and after 8:30, Mike Holm was the DJ playing music for all ages, photographers were available to get Prom pictures taken as a memorial of the event, there were hors d’oeuvres and an open bar.
Starting in the month of October, Mari and Kirk Peterson gave dance lessons, from beginner swing, two-step and a line dancing. The class showed off what they had learned with a line dance to Stayin’ Alive by the BeeGee’s.
The event was sponsored by many local businesses and private citizens. It was also funded by a grant by the Franklin County Tourism Board.
All proceeds from this event will be given to the Hampton Senior Center to offset funding that they have recently lost. The total donated to the Senior Citizen Center is $3,504 with the help of this event.
Final words from Heather Holm, “We had 243 people who came to our First Annual Adult Prom! WOW!!! I just want to say a special thank you to the core committee, Mike Holm, Jim Davies and Dyanne Pralle, for all your help in making this a success.”
One last thought from Della Speich, “I wonder if anyone spiked the punch.”
Watch video:
httpv://youtu.be/ByaWJg9M600
