Youngsters who came out to attend the Portage YMCA for "Prom Night" walked down the Yellow Brick Road toward their jam-packed evening of fun! Moms and dads were the "dates" tonight for this night out on the town celebrating their child's first prom experience!
Children ages 7 and under got to dress up in their fancy clothes and come out and enjoy the "Wizard of Oz" themed spectacular put on by the Portage YMCA Preschool Academy. Dancing was one of the favored activities, with J Squared Entertainment providing the music. The kids also danced to a CD burned just for them featuring songs and dances they learned in their preschool classes. Picture strips from the Hotshot Photo Booth also sported a line full of those preparing to take their turn for their photo opportunity!
Decorations held true to the Wizard of Oz movie with flying monkeys and all the Oz favorites, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, along with Oz, Dorothy and Toto! Many of the decorations were done by the students in the preschool classes and enjoyed by everyone who came.
The movie itself was playing at the YMCA along with popcorn for those who wanted to sit down and take the opportunity to enjoy the show, with the popcorn compliments of the Portage 16 IMAX.
The evening also included a delicious assortment of finger foods made by the teachers themselves. A shout out to Cindy Santiago, Ashley Major, Maureen Ortiz, Kresha Tabor, Pam Samano, Teresa Vasquez and Wendi York for making all the wonderful food for the event. Small sandwiches, pulled pork, mac and cheese, mini tacos, cheese and crackers as well as many yummy desserts were among many of the delicious treats everyone was invited to taste.
Everyone coming out tonight will also leave with a souvenir cup to take home as a reminder of the special time they had tonight with their parent; along with many special memories that will last for a lifetime.
Jim Thomas came with his entire family.
"My wife and I brought both kids so we each had a date," he said. "It was a relatively inexpensive evening for our whole family to enjoy."
You don't have to be a member of the YMCA in order to attend. The idea behind it is for the kids to go out into a social atmosphere with their parents and create memories and strengthen parent/child bonding.
Cathi Srednoselac stated, "We put the dance on as one of our many ways to involve the family. It's more than just a place for kids, there are things for the whole family here at the Y."
The YMCA started having this event about three years ago. The idea popped into Cathi's head as she was driving in her van one day. The money raised is used towards programs for the Daycare Center in the Y. Kohl's will also be providing a $500 grant to the facility through their volunteer program. With five Kohl's employees donating three hours of their time at the dance fulfills their volunteer obligation and thus the $500 donation to the YMCA.
Over 200 attended this evening with tickets selling for $15 per couple and $7 for each additional child coming with an adult.
"There is no strict dress code; some are more casual than others and some can get pretty dressed up. We have even seen a few limos bring couples to the dance," stated Cathi.
So if you missed the even this year, please be sure to mark it on your calendar for next year so you don't miss out on this great event!