Moms’ Prom Night to Boost Motherhood

The Jewish Moms of Atlanta Facebook group is trying to give women a break from motherhood to spend time with friends with its first MOMProm, being held Saturday night, Nov. 4, at Spring Hall.

While mom proms — women-only events with a school formal feel — have been held for around 10 years, this is the first one sponsored by JMOA.

The group’s idea was born after a group of Jewish moms saw the movie “Bad Moms,” said Nicole Wiesen from Jewish Moms of Atlanta.

“People were saying how much they liked the movie and how we needed an event to hang out, let loose and have fun with our mom friends,” she said. “We’re having a prom just for the moms. It’s a moms night out celebrating motherhood, womanhood and girlfriends.”

The inaugural event will feature dancing, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a 10-minute comedy show and door prizes. There will be a photo booth, a photographer taking candid photos and a videographer. Most services have been donated.

“We’re very lucky that we have a community of women who support our cause,” Wiesen said.

Proceeds will benefit the Jewish Fertility Foundation, which gives grants to Jewish couples turning to in vitro fertilization to become parents. This is the first time another organization has thrown a fundraiser for the 2-year-old nonprofit group.

“We’re really lucky,” said Elana Frank, JFF’s executive director and founder. “It’s kind of an ironic title for a group like ours. Moms are coming together and saying, ‘What is more important than being a mom? Can we help people who are struggling?’”

JFF so far has given grants to six couples to pursue IVF, and one child has been born.

“I always, always try to remind people that a child is a great blessing, but it’s not the end result that always happens,” Frank said.

In addition to giving grants for IVF, the foundation offers support groups and a buddy program that matches people who went through fertility treatments with those going through the process.

JFF is “part of the entire fertility journey,” Frank said. “When you’re doing treatments, you’re not successful all the time. We offer emotional support along the way.”

The organization also offers infertility sensitivity training for Jewish professionals and plans to expand those training sessions to include families and friends of people struggling with infertility.

“It’s such a hard topic, and a lot of times people have no clue” what to say, Frank said. “We’re trying to bring awareness.”

Tables of 10 for the MOMProm are available for purchase, as are single tickets, at momprom2017.com.

“Buy a ticket, and come with your girlfriend and have a great time,” Wiesen said.

Planning has begun for next year’s MOMProm, and JMOA members are choosing the recipient of the 2018 proceeds.

“We definitely have our sights on someone who does an amazing job in our community,” Wiesen said.

What: MOMProm

Where: Spring Hall, 7130 Buford Highway, No. 100, Doraville

When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4

Tickets: $50 each or $450 per table of 10 in advance, $60 each at the door; momprom2017.com (click on “Tickets on sale now!”)