Local Nonprofit Empowers Students with Education and Support
For many years, Bridges has been empowering high school students in family crises to pursue their education without obstacles. Bridges Executive Director Stacy Bruce said their students are facing homelessness due to no fault of their own.
“These students have experienced a family crisis and don’t have a safe place to live but are still interested in graduating from high school,” Bruce said.
Education is a cornerstone of Bridges’ mission. All students supported by the program must be enrolled or eligible to enroll in high school.
Although Bridges partners with Norman Public Schools, the Norman Housing Authority, the United Way of Norman, and local businesses and individuals, additional support is needed to meet the growing needs of students.
To aid in these efforts, the 12th annual Bridges Prom 2.0 will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Embassy Suites in Norman. This year’s theme is “Legacy of Love.”
Inspired by a high school prom, the event was created by a Norman Chamber of Commerce leadership class in partnership with Bridges as a fun and unique fundraiser.
“The reason for the Bridges Prom is to raise money,” Bruce explained. “The leadership class came up with the idea to have king and queen candidates, just like at a regular high school prom but with a twist.
“Adult community leaders run for prom royalty and the candidate couple who raises the most money is crowned the night of the prom,” Bruce said.
Prom candidates are out in the community asking for donations to support Bridges. They get donations or sell tables and sponsorships to the event. This year’s candidates are: Isaac and Samantha Badayos, David and Jenny Goodspeed and Steve and Taylor McDaniel.
“Whether your high school prom was a fairytale dream or an awkward memory you’d rather forget, this is a chance for a “do-over,” but this time with all the wisdom and fun of adulthood,” Bruce said.
Participants can dress in their favorite decade’s prom attire and indulge in dancing, appetizers, a photo booth and cocktails.
Proceeds from the prom directly support student expenses, covering essentials such as food, clothing and vital records like IDs, birth certificates and Social Security cards. Funds also help with work-related needs, over-the-counter medications, school fees and apartment necessities.
To learn more about Bridges and the Prom 2.0 event, visit bridgesnorman.org.
By Roxanne Avery
