‘Mom Prom’ night out brings in $15,300 for United Way of Mark Twain Area

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Women of all ages took to the dance floor at the Rialto on Nov. 9 in style at the United Way of the Mark Twain Area’s second annual “Mom Prom” in support of United Way’s “Everyone Can Help Someone” campaign.

Ten Mom Prom queen candidates raised $15,300. The highlight of the evening came when Brandy Johnson, owner of local clothing store The Rabbit Hole, was crowned the United Way Mom Prom Queen.

Johnson spent the last several months dedicated to her campaign, carrying a donation jar with her and raising awareness through social media. She raised more than $4,400. Many local businesses contributed to Johnson’s campaign, including Hula Bowls, which contributed 10 free cards for a free hula bowl, which Johnson gave out for donations.

Johnson received a $2,500 trip voucher from the United Way in conjunction with Jessica Baker at The Getaway Gals, Cruise Planners.

Johnson — who was crowned by Jamie McCoy, last year’s Mom Prom queen — said the highlight of campaigning was learning about the impact United Way of the Mark Twain Area has in the community.

“I had no idea how deeply rooted in supporting the community the United Way is,” Johnson said in a press release. “Since doing Mom Prom, I feel very pulled to get more involved and find where I fit in the puzzle to help through the United Way.”

Other candidates were Bonnie Arnold, Amanda Bowen, Kathy Butler, Alicia Deming, Tegan Hagan, Christina Merrell, Amy Miller, Kathy Riley and Gloria Straube.

Riley, who won Miss Congeniality, raised more than $4,000. She carried a jar, receiving donations from many local businesses. Hagan of Monroe City conducted a four-way stop fundraiser and then solicited local businesses.

Bowen, a caseworker at the Hannibal Salvation Army, sold homemade Halloween-themed cinnamon rolls to benefit her campaign.

Arnold, owner of Griffin’s Flowers, raffled off a year’s worth of flowers to people who donated $10 or more.

Denise Damron, director of the United Way of the Mark Twain Area, said the second Mom Prom was more successful than the first, when Mom Prom queen campaigns brought in $13,000.

“We are beyond grateful for every candidate from last year and this year. All of the queens’ hard work brought in nearly $30,000 over these two events to help fund local organizations that serve as a lifeline to so many in the community,” Damron said. “Thank you to the dedication of our participants, the generosity of our sponsors and the fun and excited spirit of everyone who attended. This event is a reminder of how powerful we can be when we come together.”

Damron thanked the VIP table sponsors, whose contributions covered all event expenses, ensuring additional funds raised could directly benefit United Way’s campaign.

• Danni Nicole’s
• Snap-on Tools — Nick Waters
• The Powder Room
• Kyle Mack — Shelter Insurance Companies
• Edward Jones — Alicia Rollins
• Servpro of Hannibal
• Shelby Job — Country Financial
• Riverside Dermatology & Spa
• Shine Clean Company
• Goldinger Farms
• Studio M
• James O’Donnell Funeral Home

Melissa Cummins returned to judge the categories for Best Thrift Find, Best Alternative Dress and Best Borrowed Dress. She has led Missouri’s Distinguished Young Woman Program (2014–20) and coordinated Hannibal’s Tom and Becky Program.

From silky pajamas, a real Disney World princess dress, and others variations of Mom Prom attire, Cummins chose Erin Ragar, who wore a homespun dress made of trash bags, as the best alternative dress. Her pick for best borrowed dress was worn by Jordan Thomas, who borrowed it from a friend 10 years ago and had not yet returned it. The best thrift store find was a classic, deep blue dress worn by Courtney Edison.