The Red Cross Under the Sea Prom held April 26 at Heritage Hunt Country Club raised nearly $30,000 for the American Red Cross National Capital Region chapter, according to organizer Rebecca Vaughan-King.
“I was humbled with how wonderful the turnout was and how generous the community was with their donations and corporate sponsorships,” said Vaughan-King, cofounder of Imagine Design in Manassas.
Premiere sponsorships, 139 attendees and donations of raffle prizes donated by individuals and local businesses helped the prom committee achieve success for the regional charity.
However, it may not have been possible had people not gotten on board for the Under the Sea Prom theme. Vaughan-King thought it was something novel and fun that would “appeal to a broader audience.”
CEO of the Red Cross National Capital Region, Linda Mathes, praised Vaughan-King for the work she and her prom committee did to organize the successful fundraiser.
“Rebecca plays a beautiful role leading our leadership council of volunteers. She’s passionate, enthusiastic and spunky. This community is really fortunate to have her,” Mathes said.
Mathes hoped the prom helped to spread awareness about the good the Red Cross does in the D.C. metro region. While people tend to know about how the Red Cross helps in national disasters, she said they are less aware of regional outreach.
“They see the Red Cross involved in big events like Super Storm Sandy; they don’t see what we do everyday in our local communities."
Mathes also praised Prince William citizens for the part they play.
"Prince William volunteers are very helpful. There’s a culture here of getting involved,” Mathes said.
She encouraged other residents to become involved by visiting redcross.org and finding the National Capital Region chapter.
“Every day, there are people who look to the Red Cross for hope,” said Mathes. “This event is all about everyone who plays a part and makes this happen by donating their time, money and blood.”
Wearing crowns, gowns and tuxes, graduates of Leadership Prince William acted as student council members, enjoying the prom, while acknowledging the hard work behind the festivities. Some even had fun with the idea of being high school royalty.
“I’m here with four prom queens,” said Bennett Whitlock, Board of Regents Chairman for Leadership Prince William. “Obviously, the odds are in the male’s favor.”
Four beautiful ladies surrounded Whitlock, each representing a different class of graduates from Leadership Prince William.
On the dance floor, junior attendees, the demographic Vaughan-King hoped to attract, danced to hits from the eighties and nineties. However, the “senior class” displayed timeless elegance dancing the waltz, swing and even the polka.
While many dressed in formal apparel, every prom has the fashion-forward standout couple. Prom-goers Jason Shriner, of the Aubergine Chef, and Robert McGlothlin of McGlothlin Properties in Nokesville dressed as their favorite video game characters, wearing tuxes and top hats with a steam-punk feel.
“We didn’t really have a lot of fun at my prom, so I wanted to do everything to have the funnest (sic), most crazy prom we could possibly have,” Shriner said.
Returning attendees enjoyed the new theme and the carrying on of old traditions.
“Oh, it’s fun. It's always been fun. It’s sort of a different theme this year,” said Kathy Strauss of Imagewerks.
Amanda Harper of Gaeltek Technology Solutions, who attended with her husband and daughter, also had a good time. However, she said it was mainly about the charity.
“I got involved early on when Rebecca asked about planning the event. The Red Cross is near and dear,” Harper said.
Vaughan-King said she would definitely like to hold another prom or gala, saying,
“Yes, I can't wait to do this again next year.”
She thanked her prom committee for the long hours they spent calling their business contacts and planning the numerous details of the event.
Vaughan-King hopes more people will get involved with the committee next year and help plan another successful fundraiser that is also a night-to-remember.
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