Community News

Ninth BrAva Mom Prom raises $70K for childhood cancer families, research

MARIETTA -- More than 500 women on Friday attended the ninth BrAva Mom Prom, which raised more than $70,000 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, bar sales and local business donations.

"We had a record year, (thanks) largely in part to our gold sponsor, the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3665 in Beverly, and its $15,000 cash donation to help cover the costs associated with this year's event," said Erin Roberts, BrAva vice president. "With the help of other local businesses, who contributed nearly another $8,000 in donations and incredible raffle items, plus the amazing women who helped us to sell out the event, we are well positioned to net approximately $50,000 for local families and CureSearch, a national organization focused solely on research for a cure for childhood cancers."

The event, complete with a deejay, emcee, lighting and decor, featured a mob dance, raffles and

the crowning of three Mom Prom Queens: local mothers who have a child affected by cancer, either undergoing treatment or in remission, and the event's first Mom Prom Princess,

survivor Alicia Williams, of Zanesville.

The 2024 Mom Prom Queens honored were Tina Smith of Marietta; Courtney Shutts of Eleanor, W.Va.; and Misty Williams, of Zanesville.

"I had a great night, and I feel so special to have been crowned the first BrAva Mom Prom princess," Alicia Williams said.

Her mom, one of the queens, said the night was a testament to the support the pair have received from BrAva.

"We had an amazing time," Misty Williams said. "The love and support we felt in the room was more than we could have asked for!"

During the event, BrAva also presented $30,000 to CureSearch, marking its single largest donation ever to the organization. Val Elazegui, CureSearch's community engagement manager,

traveled from Kansas City, Mo., to attend the event, which she called a must for anyone living

within a few hours of Marietta.

"My favorite part of the evening was definitely coronation," Elazegui said. "It was such an honor to hear the stories of this year's queens and witness the incredible support these women have from their community. You could feel the love in the room, and it was nothing short of incredible!"

In addition to FOE 3665 Beverly, there were more than a dozen other major sponsors for the event, and more than 100 additional sponsors contributed to event support, the raffle and swag items.

"Every year, with the support of so many, we are able to create this incredible event," said Traci Nichols, BrAva president. "We couldn't do it without the continued support and enthusiasm of our attendees, the work of the committee and subcommittee and our generous sponsors. It is such an honor to live in this small but mighty community!"

Gold carpet photo areas with event backdrops were also available to guests, and photos will soon be available on the event's Facebook page.

BrAva is a nonprofit organization that has donated nearly $600,000 to local families and CureSearch.

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.

More information is available online at www.bravacares.com.

The 2025 BrAva Mom Prom will take place Friday, April 18, 2025. Tickets will go on sale in early

March, with additional information at www.bravamomprom.com.