As spring approaches, ever so slowly, many Grade 12s are eyeing the end-of-school rite of passage filled with finery and looking forward to the day when they get all dolled up for the prom.
But for some students, the cost of tickets, dress (or a tux), shoes, hair and make-up is beyond reach.
And that's where the team behind Project Enchantment steps in. They're once again raising money through a pub night fundraiser to help underprivileged Tri-Cities grads enjoy their big night in style.
"It can be really expensive," for students and their families to purchase everything for grad night, said Shari O'Neill, who is organizing the fundraiser at the Burrard Public House in Port Moody on March 1.
As in previous years O'Neill is asking for donated bottles of wine, which are assembled into baskets and raffled off at the fundraiser.
She's about half way to the goal of 36 bottles and said whether it's red, white, rosé or sparkling, any wine is appreciated (homemade bottles cannot be accepted), particularly if it's "something you would appreciate winning."
Along with the wine baskets — which also include two tickets to an Evergreen Cultural Centre performance — the fundraiser will feature a 50/50 draw and a live auction for a weekend in Whistler.
The money raised helps pay for tuxedo rentals, shoes, alterations, hair and make-up and grad tickets.
It all comes together for the Night of Enchantment in early March, when students go to Heritage Woods secondary to select dresses and accessories and have their hair and make-up done. A photographer from Life Touch studios is on hand — with caps and gowns from each of the Tri-Cities' high schools — so that they can have grad photos done for free as well.
"It's very important to the kids…who otherwise can't afford it," said Carrie Clark, a School District 43 youth worker, one of the many "Enchantment fairies" who help organize the event each year.
Without the help of a donated dress and all the bling, Clark said many students from low-income families would be missing out on an important milestone as they transition out of high school.
"When you see them come in and then see them leave — how they're feeling…they thankfulness and gratitude, your heartstrings just pull," Clark said.
Organizers purchase some dresses with funds raised at the pub night but they rely heavily on donated grad dresses; Clark said donations have been slow to trickle in this year and they're hoping many more come in over the weeks to come.
Anyone who can donate a dress (preferable less than five years old) can do so at Heritage Woods secondary or to the youth worker at any other Tri-Cities high school in the week before March 7.
To donate wine for the pub night fundraiser (March 1 at 5 p.m.), drop off bottles at Port Moody Flowers in Newport Village by Feb. 15.
Tickets for the pub night fundraiser are $20, available by contacting [email protected].
[email protected]
@spayneTC
