In 1970, I went to Prom. The event that every high school girl wanted to attend. A right of passage. Our first “grown up” dance. After that dance, we would graduate, go to college and get jobs. We were ready to start the rest of our lives. We felt empowered. Or we thought we were.
Bonnie Rosario, founder of ANEW (A Network Empowering Women,) founder of BonnieinPink, Chief Executive Officer of Engaged Wilmington and Co-Founder and Executive Director of Pretty Little Picnics NC, goes above and beyond to ensure that women have a path to empowerment. She explained, “Mom’s wear so many different hats these days, we are business professionals, we are active in our communities, we are often caregivers to multi-generations, and we take care of our homes and families. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.”
She continued, “Moms need to feel celebrated and that’s one reason why my company, ANEW, is hosting “Mom Prom,” Thursday, July 11 at Freya’s Haus, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. You can come out, have a good time and still be home early enough to put the kids to bed and be ready for work the next morning. We welcome all kinds of moms -biological moms, stepmoms, foster moms, bonus moms -any woman who plays a caregiving role. If you’re keeping hearts beating, you’re one of us!”
Mom Prom is a three-hour event. “This is a really fun evening,” Bonnie continued. “Getting together and having a community of women who understand each other is so important. The Moms go all out. They get their hair done, dress up in gorgeous outfits, put on their high heels and hit our red carpet. We have a photo booth for striking a pose and getting that prom picture that maybe you weren’t able to get in high school and food trucks for keeping energy up while we do dance offs and meet other moms.
Bonnie said, “MOM PROM is a great way to make new friends. I moved to NC from NY nine years ago, and it was a little lonely at first. I couldn’t seem to find the same outlets where I had previously made friends -so I started creating them. I’ve found so much JOY in showing up and building the opportunities we all wish existed. With so many transplants in this area, I like to think of myself as a connector to people, places, and events that help women thrive!”
In one of her most popular songs, Leann Womack tells us,
“I hope you never lose your sense of wonder. You get your fill to eat but always keep that huger. God forbid love ever leaves you empty handed.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean., Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens. Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance. And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance. I hope you dance.’
If you didn’t get to go to your prom, or you are looking to join a dynamic network or, you just want to dance the night away with some inspiring women, I hope you dance at Mom Prom.
Get your tickets to Mom Prom, July 11 from 6:30 to 9:30 at Freya’s Haus, located at 55 Scott’s Loop Road in Wilmington or call Bonnie Rosario at 631-860-4548 for more information. Tickets are $35 plus tax which Includes admission, raffle prize tickets and goodie bags packed by the women of ANEW!
