The Back to Prom event held at the Alden Legion on April 18 was a different kind of fundraiser.

“Approximately 100 people arrived dressed in formal attire of various vintages and some in casual attire,” said Jennifer Jensen, Alden-Conger PTO committee member and prom organization leader. “The enthusiasm of those who dressed up for the Back to the Prom fundraiser really made the evening special. It was fun to hear the story behind some of the gowns from long past prom nights or bridesmaids’ dresses from the wedding of family or friends.”

The event started at 7 p.m. and continued into the evening, long past the planned midnight conclusion.

“Our idea from the beginning for the Back to the Prom fundraiser and silent auction was to hold a big event thus limiting the number of little fundraisers through out the year,” said Jensen. “We wanted something that the whole community could participate in and create a fun gathering in the process of raising money for the school.”

Jensen said, “On behalf of the Alden-Conger PTO, we would like to thank the community for all of their support, donations, and their generosity biding in the silent auction.” Jensen said that the committee raised more than $5,000 during the event, and is making plans to refurbish the tennis courts at the school with the money raised.

According to Jensen, all of the PTO members, Jenny Erickson, Tonya Hansen, and herself, have heard numerous compliments on the evening.

Jensen said that it took many members of the community to make the event such a success.

Jolene Bute of Accents Designs transformed the Alden Legion into a classy and elegant adult prom party. Kim Guanella, from Hometown Snacks & Sweets served up a fabulous, bountiful buffet of unbelievably delicious food. Rich Honstad, served as DJ and brought an eclectic mix of old and new music played a just the right volume level so conversations were shared, not shouted. JensPrint, in Manchester, donated hundreds and hundreds of pages of printing.

Cash donations came from several businesses, people and organizations.

“This event really couldn’t have happened without the generosity of so many individuals and business,” Jensen said. “We hope to make this an annual event, don’t miss out next year.”