With Dr. Bonnie Henry now permitting B.C. schools to organize in-person graduation events, many Tri-City parents of Grade 12 students kicked into high gear over spring break.
But, as several after-grad organizers told the Tri-City News this week, time is tight as they ready for dry parties and reach out to the community for prize and food donations.
Kelvin Fong, Centennial Secondary’s dry after-grad chair for the past five years, said his committee met Thursday (March 30) and “are way behind."
"Donations have been slower early on, as no one knew for sure if the event was able to proceed. Now it’s rush time,” he said.
Fong's committee plans to raise $40,000 for the celebration; it’ll be renting the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex for its June 18 event, which takes place right after their dinner/dance.
There, the 354 graduates can enjoy a casino, games, music, photos and food. As well, each grad will get a gift, and all donations from groups and businesses will be raffled off.
At Coquitlam’s Pinetree Secondary, the After-Grad Committee is readying for 450 graduates for its June 11 fiesta at Pinetree Community Centre, happening from midnight to 4 a.m.
Spokesperson David Wong said his group is canvassing for about 50 raffle prizes such as gift cards, baskets and electronic items for the attendees plus food and beverage donations.
In Port Coquitlam, Terry Fox Secondary’s after-grad committee is working on an event for the 17- and 18-year-old students on May 28 at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre.
Andrea Jackson, chair of the PAC grad committee, said the midnight-to-5 a.m. festivities give “the grads a safe space to continue their celebrations” after their dinner and dance.
She’s on the lookout for prizes, as well as food and drink donations like pop and pizza.
“We are still fundraising and any assistance people can give is appreciated. We know many businesses have struggled and even closed with COVID-19, so we have been mindful of that.”
On the other side of PoCo, Riverside Secondary’s 325 graduates will be at Hyde Creek the following Saturday for its dry grad on June 4; prizes, food and cash are sought.
“Any amount would be wonderful,” said organizer Deb Phillips. “We are working with a limited budget.”
And Shirley McQueen, the After-Grad Committee chair at Port Moody Secondary, said her group is asking for gift cards, products or cash — the latter of which will be used to buy more prizes, food or a photo booth for its 330 graduating students, adding “no amount is too small.”
Its party will be held at the Central City Fun Park in Surrey on June 11 from 11:30 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Here’s how you can help:
- CENTENNIAL: [email protected]
- PINETREE: [email protected]
- TERRY FOX: terryfoxgrad2022@gmail.com
- RIVERSIDE: [email protected]
- PORT MOODY: [email protected]
- GLENEAGLE: [email protected]
