826CHI Hosts Robot Armageddon Prom

By Melissa Feldsher in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 23, 2009 5:45PM

Wall-E and Eve courtesy of Alvaro Farfan

Domo arigato, it’s prom season for 826CHI, the Chicago chapter of Dave Eggers’ and Vendela Vida’s non-profit dedicated to supporting students aged 6 to 18 with their literacy and creative skills.

Practice your pop and lock, because this year’s theme is Robot Armageddon, which is either a combination of old-school prom and maniacal killer robots or the next Isaac Asimov book. Attire is as creative as some of their students' works: evil automatons, corsages, and fake blood will surely abound as well as robo-beer, robo-wine, and robo-munchies.

When not holding automaton-themed party planning committees, the folks at 826CHI hold drop-in tutoring sessions, host field trips, and conduct workshops with titles like “Let Your Socks Do the Talkin’!” Additionally, 826CHI sends tutors to provide in-school support for teachers in the Chicago area and has recently announced a book club that will put Oprah to shame.

All prom proceeds benefit the non-profit and their belief that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

Don’t be a paranoid android—buy your tickets today.

826CHI Robot Armageddon Prom, Pulaski Park Field House, 1419 W Blackhawk, Saturday April 25, 8 p.m., $30, 21+