Volunteers Sought for Berkley Senior All Night Party

The theme for this year's senior All Night Party is under wraps, but it's no secret that ’s Operation Graduation is seeking volunteers to help with the event.

The dedicated group of parent volunteers has been working year-round to organize a party to remember.

“It is a huge undertaking,” said Heidi Flynn, chairperson of Operation Graduation. "We need 100 people to run the party."

The major agenda items are in check: disc jockey, entertainment, decorations and food. However, the committee desperately need of an army of volunteers to put it together.

“Not one person has volunteered to work a shift that night,” Flynn said.

Since senior parents are busy with the commencement ceremony, Flynn is calling out to parents of all underclassmen.

“It is a big misconception,” Flynn said. “It’s for our community, not a senior activity.”

Flynn stressed the need for underclassmen parents to get involved now so that the legacy will continue for years to come.

“Seeing the students, seeing their faces when they first walk in, seeing them enjoying the party,” is reward enough for all the time and effort, Flynn said.

How parents can get involved

Parents who are willing to volunteer are encouraged to attend the next Operation Graduation meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Room 110 at Berkley High School.

There, they will be able to sign up to help with a variety of roles in putting on the All Night Party, including:

• Work a shift during the June 2 party. Shifts run 11 p.m.-1 a.m.; 1-3 a.m.; and 3-5 a.m.
• Calling all Tim-the-Tool-Man-Taylors. Berkley High School will be transformed from a sweaty gym to party central, and that transformation begins on the way in the door. Operation Graduation needs a carpenter who can help transform the walkway along Catalpa Drive into a welcome court. Flynn said community members have been known to stop and gaze with awe at previous decorations.
• Join in the decorating madness. Decorating begins the weekend prior to the party, and all parents are encouraged to participate. Flynn said it is a surefire way to meet new people in the community.
• Each junior class family is asked to drop off a case of water at the gym the weekend prior the the event.
• Buy your spring flower flats through Operation Graduation to boost the group's fundraising efforts. More information will be available in early March.
• Each senior gets a party favor, and more than 100 prizes will be raffled. Monetary or gift donations will never be denied. Microwaves, gift certificates, iPods, you name it, they will give it away.
• One given: Teenagers love food. All night long, cookies, brownies and treats will be available. Donations of baked goods will help fuel the night.

How the community can get involved

Are you a business owner looking to sponsor a community event? Monetary donations, food, prizes and more food are needed to ensure that seniors return home with some memorable experiences.

“Any amount of help is appreciated,” said Connie Reinholm, who started volunteering with Operation Graduation 10 years ago. "I think people hesitate to get involved because they think it will be a huge time commitment."

Interested community members are encouraged to e-mail volunteer coordinator Deb Ricci at  acna04@wideopenwest.com. All monetary and gift donations may be directed to MaryBeth Braun at mbbraun@amertech.net. The group is still working to determine when tickets will go on sale and how much they will cost.