Foster Cattaraugus Adult Prom Returns Aug. 15 with Prohibition-Era Theme in Olean
Foster Cattaraugus Adult Prom Returns Aug. 15 with Prohibition-Era Theme in Olean
Foster Cattaraugus invites the community to an elegant Prohibition-era Adult Prom featuring dinner, dancing, raffles, and live entertainment while raising funds to support foster children and families throughout Cattaraugus County.
One hundred years ago, Americans were right in the middle of the Prohibition Era, when the making, sale, and transport of alcohol was banned for more than a decade! Despite the laws in place, many folks still found a way to imbibe in secret in “speakeasies” - hidden bars that required a special passcode or knock to gain entry. While these clandestine gatherings are no longer required today, the allure of the Prohibition Era is still plenty of fun! If your idea of a great time includes Great Gatsby-level glamour while supporting a worthy cause, you won’t want to miss the Third Annual Adult Prom, hosted by Foster Cattaraugus on Saturday, August 15 beginning at 6:00pm.
Woodside Tavern on the Range, located at 3319 W. River Rd. in Olean, has generously donated their venue for this adults-only prom once again, and it promises to be an unforgettable evening to benefit the non-profit. Since the spring of 2024, Foster Cattaraugus has been supporting local foster families by helping to close the gap between local and state funding and the variable and unexpected expenses of raising children. Founder Amanda Clute noted that she hadn’t intended to create a nonprofit; however, she recognized a growing need, as the number of children in foster care had doubled.
“I think foster parents do a really tough job to begin with,” Clute pointed out. “If taking off that financial burden and allowing them some additional options, whether it’s camp or a pair of shoes if helpful, that’s just a way to kind of fill in the gaps. I’m very much that ‘someone should do something about this’ person, and I end up being the someone!”
In particular, the organization is focusing on a clothing closet, which they started this year. “We definitely would love to make sure that we’re able to get some good, unused shoes and that sort of thing going,” Clute explained. “We’re really looking to see if we can make it easier on foster parents for that first month or so when kiddos come into care and need to start school.” She noted how quickly children grow and how much wear-and-tear shoes and children’s clothing can endure, especially in a short amount of time. “The county provides some money, but that obviously only goes so far in this economy these days,” Clute added. If prom guests have new children’s shoes or clothing to donate, they are welcome to bring them to the event.
Clute invites everyone to enjoy a special night out, complete with cocktail hour from 6:00-7:00pm, dinner, and dancing. Prom tickets include admission and dinner, and there will also be a cash bar available. “We have a barbecue dinner that’s being provided this year,” she explained. “Toad’s Butcher Shop has been great to us, and they’re providing the food again this year.”
Guests can also enjoy a variety of desserts, such as cannoli, Italian ice, and custard provided by ZET’s of Olean. Enjoy dancing to music provided by live DJ Elmwood Opera, as you pass under the beautiful balloon arch by Balloons & Beyond. Of course, it’s not prom without photos! April Bojanowski Photography will be taking formal photos, and guests can also enjoy Molly Brown Photography’s photobooth.
The event includes basket raffles and a 50/50 drawing, and guests can buy tickets to win the incredible door prizes donated for this year’s event: a knife set with block donated by Cutco and a stunning 14-karat white gold lariat necklace donated by ASK Design Jewelers. The speakeasy theme will be evident throughout the event and may even inspire guests’ attire for the evening. Clute said, “It’s formalwear, so if guests are more comfortable in traditional prom attire, fantastic! Otherwise, we would love for you to dress the theme!”
Prom tickets are available now and are presale only ($60 per couple or $40 per person, includes admission and dinner). Visit www.luma.com or click the link posted on Foster Cattaraugus’ Facebook page to purchase tickets online. Tickets sell out each year, so Clute encourages interested prom-goers to buy tickets sooner rather than later. For more information, email FosterCattaraugus@gmail.com. Can’t make it to the prom but still want to support Foster Cattaraugus? Donations are accepted through PayPal and Venmo, and checks can be mailed to Foster Cattaraugus, P.O. Box 70, Olean, NY 14760.