Money, Money, Money: The Fundraising Behind the Jenks Pom Fashion Show
By: Abby Kornele
Bright lights, long ball gowns, and disco music. All of these are what make up the annual Jenks Pom Fashion Show. On Tuesday, September 12, the PAC held this program's main fundraiser for the year. But what is this money going towards?
A majority of this money funds the Pom team’s competition fees, uniforms, and expenses for their national competition in Orlando, Florida. But a lot of this money is actually going towards scholarships.
According to Tracye Stimson, Jenks Pom Coordinator, scholarships are something that is very individual to this program. Members are able to apply for one at the beginning of the season through a simple application process. Pom bylaws limit the amount to $500 per year per member.
The treasurers of their booster club help keep a general fund and budget for the year, and they always make sure to include these scholarships in the budget.
“The scholarships are very private and meant to help dancers stay in our program,” said Stimson.
Jenks PAC crew member helping adjust lights for Fashion Show.
This fundraiser is put on by several pom mothers who have donated their time. There is a fashion show committee that consists of 18-20 people, and they all have their own specific jobs to help organize this event.
Teylor Wettstein was the co-chair of this event and spoke about all of the hard work that was put in.
“We start 5 months early, we have monthly meetings. I couldn’t begin to count the hours it takes to pull it all off but it’s all worth it in the end” said Wettstein.
According to Wettstein, Stores in the nearby area loan dresses and tuxes for the models to walk in. This was the 25th year the event was held. We are unaware of the total amount of money raised this year, but last year they raised around $37,000. This money comes from ticket sales, sponsors, and model charges, a ticket is $20 and over 850 were sold this year.
There are also many opportunities for companies to become sponsors. Each pom member is required to gain a sponsorship from a company at the lowest level or they may purchase an ad in the program. These are considered business ads.
Vanity ads may also be purchased by a parent for a specific senior shoutout.
Tess Almond (10) and Aleah Nelson (10) posing at the end of the runway during rehearsal.
If you are interested in becoming a model for next year's fashion show you will need to be a 2025 senior, you may sign up in the spring of this year. To sign up you must fill out a form and pay a model charge of $40; This adds to the money being raised.
This fundraiser is an annual event and is popular with many around the Jenks community. The night is filled with beautiful gowns and tuxedos, entertaining dances, and money going towards a great cause. Being able to give out scholarships is something the Jenks Pom program loves being able to do and wouldn’t be able to make it happen without their fashion show. If you would like to learn more about the Jenks Pom program, visit their website and Instagram, @JenksPom and JenksPom.com.
