Women dance as part of the BrAva Mom Prom flash mob on Friday. (Photo by Melissa McConnell)

On Friday, more than 500 women attended the 11th BrAva Mom Prom, which raised more than $74,000 for childhood cancer awareness and research.

This year’s sold-out event was held at The Tower Event and Conference Center in Marietta. Funds were raised through admission, raffle, luminary, bar sales and local business donations.

“We want to thank all of our attendees and sponsors, especially our gold sponsor, the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3665 in Beverly, for stepping up for a third year in a row,” said Traci Nichols, BrAva president. “This year’s gold sponsorship was $20,000, bringing that organization’s total giving to $55,000 to our nonprofit since 2024.”

The event – complete with a DJ, emcee, lighting and decor – featured a flash mob, raffles and the crowning of three Mom Prom queens: local mothers who have a child affected by cancer, either undergoing treatment or in remission. The 2026 Mom Prom queens honored were Nora Hill, of Lowell; and Kayla Antill and Mary Paul, both of Marietta.

During the event, BrAva also presented $35,000 to CureSearch, a national organization exclusively focused on research for cures to childhood cancers. Caira Turner, CureSearch’s associate director for community engagement, traveled from Raleigh, N.C., to attend the event.

From left, Caira Turner, CureSearch’s associate director for community engagement, and BrAva President Traci Nichols hold a mock check representing the $35,000 donation to CureSearch announced during the 2026 BrAva Mom Prom on Friday, as BrAva Vice President Erin Roberts looks on. This donation brings BrAva’s overall lifetime giving to CureSearch to $235,000. (Photo provided by Melissa McConnell)

“Events like BrAva Mom Prom are a powerful reminder that when communities come together with this much energy and heart, it directly fuels that research and progress families are counting on,” Turner said. “It isn’t just a night of fun; it’s a celebration of community, compassion and purpose. This kind of support is what drives hope forward for children battling cancer.”

In addition to FOE 3665 Beverly, additional major sponsors for the event were Advantage Real Estate, Amy’s Flower Shoppe, Astorg Auto, Commonwealth Financial Services, InVisioned Moments Videography, Kesterson’s Launderers & Cleaners, Lisa’s Sweet Stop, Melissa Rose Photography, Premier Productions, Rooted & Co. Wellness Collective, Shrivers Hospice, Smith Concrete and Syensqo. An additional 68 sponsors contributed to event support, the raffle and swag items for the event. A listing of all sponsors can be found online at www.bravamomprom.com.

Of note, this year’s raffle portion of event proceeds topped more than $18,000. Anna Huffman and Rose Nicholson, BrAva committee members who manage the raffle committee, are grateful for those sponsors.

“We pour so much time and heart into our raffle,” said Huffman. “Raising more than $18,000 this year is incredibly meaningful.”

Nicholson said this part of the event, in particular, marks the community commitment to supporting BrAva and its cause year after year.

The BrAva committee poses for a photo prior to doors opening at the 2026 BrAva Mom Prom on Friday, at the Tower Event & Conference Center in Marietta. (Photo provided by Melissa McConnell)

“The fact that we were able to raise so much through the raffle alone is a reflection of the steadfast support from our community,” she said. “We’re grateful and already looking forward to next year.”

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 more than $735,000 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. Visit www.bravacares.com for more information.

The 2027 BrAva Mom Prom will take place Friday, April 16, 2027. Tickets will go on sale in early March. To learn more about this event, visit www.bravamomprom.com.

Raffle prizes are displayed at the 2026 BrAva Mom Prom at the Tower Event & Conference Center Friday. The raffle raised more than $18,000 at the childhood cancer charity event conducted by BrAva Fight. (Photo provided by Melissa McConnell)

The setup of the 2026 BrAva Mom Prom prior to doors opening at the Tower Event & Conference Center on Friday. (Photo provided by Melissa McConnell)