$48K Raised for Childhood Cancer Families, Research at 6th Annual BrAva Mom Prom

On Friday, April 26, more than 500 women attended the 6th Annual BrAva Mom Prom, which raised more than $48,000 for childhood cancer awareness and research. The sold-out, women-only fundraiser was conducted by BrAva, a local nonprofit, at the Washington County Fairgrounds, and funding was raised through admission, raffle, luminary, T-shirt, tank and drink sales.

“I want to thank every attendee, committee member, volunteer, raffle and monetary sponsor, and, especially, the event sponsors who go above and beyond, to make this event possible,” said Traci Nichols, president of BrAva and the mother of Ava Nichols, who passed away from cancer in 2012. “I am honored to be a part of this group and to make our angel proud.”

Women attending the 6th Annual BrAva Mom Prom look over raffle prizes to decide where they want to place their tickets.

The event, complete with a deejay, an emcee, lighting and décor, featured a mob dance, raffles and the crowning of three Mom Prom Queens: local mothers who have a child affected by cancer, either currently undergoing treatment or in remission. The 2019 Mom Prom Queens honored were Kayla Cabigon, of Marietta; Sara Casto, of Vienna; and Ashley Goddard, of Vincent.

Chelsea Boone, of Parkersburg, says Mom Prom is one of her favorite events of the year and that the cause holds a special place in her heart.

Carmen Boyd, of Zanesville, right, hugs Kayla Cabigon, of Marietta, after Cabigon was crowned a 2019 BrAva Mom Prom Queen. Both women have had a child who fought cancer. Erin Roberts, left, vice president of BrAva, shared remarks for the coronation portion of the Mom Prom event, which raised $48,000 on Friday, April 26, 2019.

“It’s mind-blowing to think that a small-town group of women started all of this,” Boone said. “It warms my heart to see such passion, so many friendships built, and, through all the tears and hard work, such an amazing event go off without a hitch. BrAva committee, you have done it again!”

Major event sponsors for this year included Amy’s Flower Shoppe, Astorg Auto, Black Tie Affair Event Designs and Rental Services, Hanson Enhancements Photography, Lisa’s Sweet Stop, Premier Productions, the Marietta Brewing Company, Smith Concrete and Sunbelt Rentals. More than 100 additional sponsors contributed to event support, the raffle and swag items for the event.

Two women attending the 6th Annual BrAva Mom Prom on Friday gather for a selfie.

Two gold carpet photo areas with event backdrops were also available to guests, and photos will soon be available free of charge via links on the event’s Facebook page.

BrAva is a nonprofit organization that has donated more than $230,000 to local families and CureSearch, a national organization focused on childhood cancer research. Its name is a combination of Bridget Crock and Ava Nichols, two local girls who faced the challenges of childhood cancer. BrAva accepts donations year-round via mail at P.O. Box 535, Marietta, OH 45750 or online, via PayPal at www.bravafight.com.

Strobe lights shine over the crowd of attendees at the 6th Annual BrAva Mom Prom.

The 7th Annual BrAva Mom Prom will take place Friday, April 17, 2020. Tickets will go on sale mid-January. To learn more about this event, visit www.bravamomprom.com.

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