Over 400 ladies attending the 2023 Mom Prom March 4 in Waycross were applauded as “winners and stars’’ at their own Hollywood Gala at the C. C. McCray City Auditorium. They danced their hearts to the festive beat, starring as Oscar winners of a Good Time, knowing through their contributions and support they were helping to usher women of addiction back to good lives.
Monies raised support Bethesda Recovery, a residential home in Waycross for women of addiction. ‘’’Contributions are still coming in,’’ says Bethesda organizer/director Cathy Sweat, ‘’but presently an amount of $54,367 is reported.’’ She praised the joyful crowd as “You are the decorations at this year’s prom. I see happy and beautiful ladies; dancers in brilliant gowns of all colors. All are stars shining just like those hanging around the spacious dance floor.’’
However, the most glowing Oscar of honor ----the Mom Prom Queen title, was awarded native Pierce Countian Andrea DeLoach. She raised the most money, over $28,000 for Bethesda Recovery, a residential home for women of addiction. As 2022 Mom Prom Queen Deanna Hickox, placed the diamond tiara on Andrea’s blonde, stylish hair, the new queen, beautiful in a black gown with flowing train, said, “It all has been worth it. You are helping another person live. I have learned a lot as the cause is truly wonderful. I have to keep going so we can help others. I thank God for this whole experience.’’
First runner-up is Christy Pitts, who owns and operates Christie’s Downsouth Living in Blackshear. Second runner-up is Shelina Murchinson of Blackshear, who owns InStyle Hair Salon in Blackshear. Other contestants, “working hard to raise Bethesda Recovery monies’’ were Carla Willingham, Kim Tatum, Michelle Brown and Amanda Stone.
According to Mom Prom coordinator Joyce Screws, and Director Mrs. Sweat, “Our queen court has exceeded all queen courts. We have more ladies here tonight than ever. We so appreciate all our queens, volunteers, businesses and so many who helped to make this prom the best ever.’’
New queen Mrs. DeLoach, mother of two sons and grandmother to two young ladies, said “I have had amazing support from so many, family, friends, businesses. This is a Christian based organization. I love God. God is No. 1. I am thankful for Cathy, Joyce and so many who are doing what they are doing. ‘’
Mrs. DeLoach is a member of Bridge Church in Blackshear and teaches the first and fourth grade girls in Bridge Kids. She serves on the church leadership team. Her work family is Waycross Internal Medicine where she declares her employers the most fantastic employers ever — Dr. Jill Bryant and Dr. Rhonda Williams. She has worked there for almost 22 years as a family nurse practitioner. “They graciously allow me to go on two to three medical mission trips yearly. As queen, I hope to bring recognition to Bethesda Recovery and the women they serve. As a medical provider, I know drug addiction is a disease like heart disease and diabetes and people need to discuss it openly. It is not a shameful weakness but a multifaceted disease affecting every part of society. Some have lost their lives and others are dealing with it daily. By advocating for Bethesda Recovery, I will be a voice for the women they serve bringing awareness to help break generational bonds and free women and their families to be who God created them to be.’’
The dance floor was mostly covered all night by the dancing ladies. All complimented music furnished by DJ Company Millennium Entertainment Services, LLC. Adding to the magnificent evening, well-known owner/operator Angeleek Bostick and her team prepared a wide assortment of party foods, desserts and beverages. Most described the food area as being “a waterfall of beautiful and delicious treats.’’
Adding to the glow and glamour of the evening was the presence of previous queens: Pam Taylor, first queen in 2019; Casey Smith, 2020; Jessica Cox and Tina Goble, in 2021 and Deanna Hickox, last year’s queen.
