Boys Town Louisiana Raises $56,000 with First Retro ReProm Event

Boys Town Louisiana raised a whopping $56,000 with its first ever Retro ReProm event held at Gallier Hall in New Orleans November 17.

The event was a unique opportunity for Boys Town to recreate guests’ high school proms while helping Louisiana’s at - risk children and families. The funds went to the general operation of the Boys Town Louisiana campus.

About 240 people dressed to the nines (or, at least, to the nines of their past proms), donning tuxedos, short dresses, long gowns and other formal attire for the event. “Everyone had a great time, many in vintage dresses and tuxedos,” said Lynn Shields, Boys Town Louisiana Development Director. 

Ten community leaders and celebrities were selected as “Prom Court” members and vied for the “Crown” of King and Queen of the ReProm. Each dollar guests donated were counted as one “vote” for the court nominee of their choice. The candidate with the highest donation amount won.

Jeff Doussan, a Crown Sponsor and former Board Chair, acted as and emceed the evening’s activities. Each of the candidates for King and Queen were introduced with a short biography as guests danced and enjoyed dinner. Café Reconcile catered the event, serving a heavy hors d'oeuvre buffet. The evening’s entertainment was provided by musical group “Levee Dawgs.”

Gary, a Boys Town Louisiana former youth, presented a speech about his experiences at Boys Town and what Boys Town has meant to him. Gary used to work for Café Reconcile, the caterer of the event.

“Everyone was very impressed, and his speech brought home what we as an organization do to help children and families,” Shields said.

More than 250 guests donated and “voted” both during the event and online leading up to the event. The voting continued right up until the end of the evening, when Scott Ballard and Dorothy Clyne were crowned as this year’s King and Queen. 

Overall, Shields is thrilled by the event’s turnout and wants to hold the event again. She plans to select a different theme and new court members for next year’s ReProm event.

“Many people said they wanted to be part of the festivities or be in the court next year,” she said. “It went well, especially for a first-time-ever event.”