Pierce County native Ambie Watson doesn’t let the grass grow under her feet, especially when there is a good cause that needs help. “I’ve done fundraising for lots of different things: dances, school, church,” says Watson, “But this is my first time for Mom Prom.”
Mom Prom is a “fine night to get out, dance and have fun with friends,” but Watson goes on to explain it is so much more than that. Mom Prom is a fundraising event set up to benefit Bethesda Recovery, a residential faith-based rehab and recovery clinic, treating women suffering from substance abuse and domestic violence.
What happens at Mom Prom? Watson says it is a lot like a regular prom, but with a few key differences. Mom Prom is a ladies only, age eighteen and up event with music, food and dancing. The Waycross Mom Prom is the only alcohol free version of the event, but it is still the most profitable. No kids and no husbands or boyfriends are allowed, just ladies taking an opportunity to bond and celebrate their successes. And some of these women have been through a lot and come a very long way.
A 501C3 nonprofit, fundraising is the lifeblood of the services Bethesda Recovery provides. Founded in 2014, Bethesda Recovery operates a thrift store off Tebeau St. and a church off of Brunell. Bethesda also provides physical, emotional and spiritual support. They have special peer groups, counseling sessions and offer daycare for women in the program while they are at work.
Since buying into the program in 2019, Bethesda Recovery has also participated in Mom Prom since. “It’s not just a big party, but also a way to recognize fundraising throughout the year,” says Watson. All nominees to the Mom Prom’s royal court compete to see who can raise the most money for this very worthy cause, all of it done in a spirit of friendly competition. The nominees seek to encourage each other to greater heights.
This Watson’s first time being nominated to the court and she readily took up the challenge. “Someone from my church nominated me and addiction has impacted my extended family,” says Watson. “I believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, so I am going all out.”
Bethesda Recovery’s fundraising goal is $100,000. Watson’s personal goal is to raise $20,000 of that number and she is pursuing her mission is a variety of ways.
Watson is seeking local businesses to purchase ads featured on brochures distributed at event. She will also be personally setting up some auctions over the next few months for things like passes for a family of four to Wild Adventures. The night of Mom Prom itself, Bethesda Recovery will hold a special silent auction. Watson has even gotten three local businesses to set up change jars by their registers. The three current locations in Blackshear, include Cotton Pickin’ Boutique and Brew, Southern Sipping and Beau Henry’s.
Watson and her husband Darren are both the worship pastors at Waycross First Assembly, and she has vowed that any love offerings received from churches between now and next March will go toward Mom Prom.
The Watsons are also the couple behind Shambie Solutions, an information technology company based in Blackshear. After teaching at Pierce County Middle School for eight years, she became the program coordinator for Middle Grades Teacher Education at Valdosta State University. Watson is also the marketing director for Hooves to Freedom in Blackshear, an equestrian based therapy center that uses horses and scripture to help people with physical and cognitive difficulties.
Fundraising for Mom Prom might seem like another main course on Watson’s already full plate, but after a few minutes of speaking with her it is obvious she has enough faith and energy to handle all of it.
Watson mentions there is a movie about Mom Prom slated to come out, which she feels will help raise broader awareness about the event. Meanwhile, she keeps doing everything she can for the cause locally, raising both funds and awareness. “When people understand the purpose behind a ministry they are more likely to give to it.” Watson says. “If people understand this is what Bethesda is trying to stop, they are more likely to give even during hard times.”
If you would like more information about Bethesda Recovery and Mom Prom or would like to donate, please, email ambie@ambiewatson. com
Ambie Watson puts her faith and boundless energy into fundraising for Mom Prom.
