From the dress to the limo, the tux to the bling, grad night can be a pricey event for Grade 12 students but a group of volunteers is hoping to ease the burden for the district's struggling families.
Shari O'Neill is collecting bottles of wine to raffle off at an upcoming pub night fundraiser for Project Enchantment, the organization that provides formal wear, hair and make-up services for underprivileged students in the Tri-Cities. Last year O'Neill collected 36 bottles and raised about $6,000; this year, she's aiming to double that with 72 bottles.
"A lot of these kids…they want the big fancy dresses," O'Neill said, but the cost is simply out of reach for some. "These kids are working really really hard, they're getting really good grades, and they deserve to be part of that grad night as much as anyone."
The fundraiser on Feb. 9 at the Burrard Public House will feature a 50/50 draw as well as a "wine board" with each square available for $10; the prizes are given away in baskets of 18, six or three bottles each.
Although many dresses are donated the funds raised purchases additional gowns, tuxedo rentals, gift bags, honorariums for youth volunteers and more.
Fellow volunteers, many of them youth workers, invite students to the Night of Enchantment at Heritage Woods secondary, where they get to choose their gown, shoes and jewelry and get their hair and make-up done before getting photos taken.
On grad night the girls are then able to return to Tri-City salons who have volunteered to do their hair and make-up again at no cost.
"It's really quite something when they're all decked out," O'Neill said. "It's hard not to cry."
So far O'Neill has collected 39 bottles and is welcoming donations, which can be dropped off at Port Moody Flowers in Newport Village. Cash or cheque donations can be dropped off at the school board office.
• Tickets for the pub night fundraiser on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. are $20, which includes a burger and beverage, and are available by contacting [email protected].
