The After Prom committee met yesterday in the media center to work on decorations for the beach themed celebration. And while there appeared to be a plethora of brightly-colored construction paper and other assorted decorations, there was a shortage of something perhaps more essential: volunteers. More volunteers are still needed to help out at the event, which will take place tomorrow between 1 and 5 a.
m., according to Blair parent Kate Cook who is helping to spearhead After Prom this year with Blair parents Richelle Meer and Edgar Zoz. "We really could use a lot more help," she said.
Cook said the committee is looking for up to 30 more parents to help out at the event and added that the most hectic time is during check-in from 12:30 to 2:30 a.m. But if parents can't do it, Cook said students may be able to step up to the plate to earn some student service learning hours.
"It might actually be fun especially for a freshman or sophomore who won't be coming to after prom itself to get a sense of what it's like," she said. Although they are still in need of volunteers, Cook said the committee is set financially for the upcoming After Prom though welcomes any donations for next year. "We have enough money for this year," she said, "but if anyone offered us money it would be put toward after prom for next year and we would be grateful to get it.
" The PTSA donates $5000 each year for After Prom, Meer reported. Much of the money also came from Athletic Boosters and donations from parents, some of whom contributed as much as $250, according to Cook. In addition, a fundraiser was done at Jerry's in Four Corners to help raise money.
Meer said many of the contributions didn't come in monetary form. "A lot of local merchants give us prizes and coupons," she said. DC radio station 99.
5 gave tickets to a John Mayer concert and a Nelly Furtado concert in the summer. Chevy Chase bank and MacUpgrade contributed as well. Local restaurants like Jerry's gave food donations to serve at the event.
These gifts will be given out throughout the night as an incentive to stay at the party all the way until 5 a.m., since students cannot come back once they leave, according to Meer.
Meer appreciates all the help and contributions made. "It really is a huge community effort on everybody's part [in] donating," she said. And with the shortage of parent volunteers, Meer said production has been impressive.
For the past six months, parents have come in on Thursdays in the Media Center to help make decorations, she reported. This year's theme will be "Sunny Side Up." Last year, the After Prom theme was "Mardi Gras," and next year, parents plan to make the theme "Jungle Luau," Meer said.
"The goal is to transform it [Blair] into a beach," said Cook. "There will be some surfboards, a lot of fish and banners." Some of the decorations are saved from year to year, according to Cook.
A DJ, inflatable rock wall, money machine, casino tables, minigolf and plenty of other games, with a cumulative cost of $7000 to $8000, will all be at the party to provide entertainment. Cook encourages parents to help out, especially if they have not lent a hand in a previous high school event.
News RSS