Don favorite duds from the past for adult throwback prom fundraiser

GROSSE POINTE PARK — Whether memories of your high school prom were happy, sad or nonexistent, you now have a chance to return to that time and make pleasant new memories while raising money for local women in need.

The Grosse Pointe-based charity Phoemale (pronounced “female”) will be hosting an adult throwback prom fundraiser at 7 p.m. May 5 at the Tompkins Community Center at Windmill Pointe Park, 14920 Windmill Pointe Drive in Grosse Pointe Park. Attendees can don styles from any era — from a flapper dress to big hair and linebacker shoulder pads to a poodle skirt to bellbottoms, anything goes. Wrist corsages are optional, and bad fashion choices are welcome.

Attendees don’t need to rock a periodic frock, however. As Kurt Cobain once sang, “Come as you are.”

“If you want to wear jeans and a T-shirt, that’s fine,” Phoemale Vice President Beth Oates, of Grosse Pointe Park, said. “We just want everyone to come together to raise funds for an amazing cause.”

Founded in 2016 by a group of friends from the Grosse Pointes, Phoemale pledges 100% of the money it raises to women who need a one-time assist. The name comes from a merger of “female” and “Phoenix,” since those aided by the charity are women rising from the ashes of trauma. Phoemale receives referrals from social services agencies, who nominate women they feel would benefit the most from Phoemale’s help. Women must be survivors of at least one of the following: human trafficking, domestic or sexual abuse, or homelessness. Phoemale meets a critical need in a woman’s life that isn’t covered by another agency, such as a laptop or a used car.

“Phoemale has paid for cars and bus passes, new mufflers and refrigerators, among many other things,” Phoemale President Jenelle David, of Grosse Pointe City, said in a press release. “We always say, there are lots of charities that can provide food, clothing or shelter. But not many will pay off traffic tickets so a woman can get her driver’s license back or buy four new tires after a bad ex-boyfriend vandalized her car. That’s what we do.”

Oates said that while many social service agencies have restricted funds — meaning they can only use their dollars for certain things — Phoemale doesn’t have the same limits.

“We kind of fill those gaps that the agencies we work with just can’t,” Oates said.

Since their inception, Oates estimated that Phoemale has helped more than 30 women in metro Detroit.

Oates said the idea for this fundraiser started as talk among friends about something they could do as in-person socialization was returning.

“Coming out of COVID and the pandemic … we as a group of friends talked about what fun an adult prom would be,” Oates said.

Unlike a traditional prom, singles won’t feel out of place. Oates said they already have “quite a few” attendees who will be coming by themselves.

Tickets cost $100 per person and include food, an open bar, a DJ and more. Because the date coincides with Cinco de Mayo, Oates said there will be a taco bar in addition to sliders and other teenage (and adult) favorites.

“The things that you enjoyed in high school — we’ll have them there,” Oates said.

Attendees will also have the option of having their prom photo taken by a professional photographer for an additional $15.

Organizers hope to raise at least $25,000 from this event through ticket sales and sponsorships.

Because space is limited, Oates said attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. However, if any tickets remain, she said they will be sold at the door.

“I think it’s just going to be a really fun time,” Oates said.

For tickets or sponsorship information, visit phoemale.org.