Fundraising begins for West Seattle High School Grad Night 2010

Summer vacation’s not even half over and West Seattle High School parents and students are already looking ahead to the end of next school year and another successful Grad Night event. Last weekend, they washed cars to kick off the fundraising campaign, and Carol Viger shares this update and the accompanying photos:

Thanks to our loyal community, and our fabulous sponsor Hotwire Online Coffeehouse [WSB sponsor], WSHS students washed more than 40 cars Saturday 7-18 at our kick-off fundraiser for Grad Night 2010.

What is Grad Night at West Seattle High School?
Grad Night is a celebration on graduation night that is safe for seniors, and the location and activities are mysteries. All attendees are searched, no cell phones are allowed, and the venues remain a mystery until arrival. Grad Night was started by a young man who as a high school junior himself, lost his best friend (a then senior) on graduation night due to an alcohol involved accident. The next year, the student as a senior organized a safe and secret celebration for his classmates. It was so successful that it grew to his company.

Why support Grad Night?
Because everyone makes mistakes – even the smartest, most athletic kids. Accidents happen. (We heard stories of grad-night accidents from some patrons at our most recent car wash fundraiser.)

…and West Seattle High has the largest Alumni Association in the United States at 17,000 members. Grad Night is a good segue to that end. We want to keep our kids connected to our community, and coming back to give back and keep West Side the Best Side…and we have great kids. Last year’s graduating class had the highest attendance of any Seattle Public School, and 48% of the graduates were on the honor roll or above.

You as a parent of a senior will be glad you did support Grad Night. When your student comes home (and you have slept well, knowing they were safe all night) and grins that it was “so fun, I’m glad I went” even though they are exhausted, you will be glad. As a community member, maybe even one without kids, know that you may have saved a life, or at least given memories to last a lifetime in the community called “home” to these kids.

How much support is needed?
As a public high school, our goal is to raise $50 for every student who attends in order to keep the cost as low as possible at about $100 per student. We offer as many scholarships as we can. Additional funds at the end of the year will go to the next year’s class Grad Night. The kids get so much – security, camaraderie, food and beverage, entertainment, myriad activities, transportation, even some prizes! The last Big Yellow School Bus Ride ever!

How can I support Grad Night? Thank you for your consideration!
Cash of course is our greatest need. Donations can be sent to WSHS PTSA, attn: David Broadstoane, 2600 California Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116, “for Grad Night 2010”; you will be sent a tax-deductible receipt. We are a 501(3)c. You can specify your desire (for scholarship, for general fund). Fund raising ideas, support: cviger@comcast.net, cathasue@comcast.net, Carol Viger 938-4204, Catha Elder 937-6119.

Here’s the car-wash team shot:

(Top row, left to right: Catha Elder, Cindy McComish, Joe Lam, Mark Viger, Christopher Tyler, Carl Swenson, TJ McComish. Bottom row, left to right: Helene Viger, Anna Rosen, Kaitlin Elder, Lori Tyler, Carol Viger, Kam Leng Lam.)

3 Replies to "Fundraising begins for West Seattle High School Grad Night 2010"

  • Kayzel July 21, 2009 (9:14 pm)

    Everyone supports safe and sane graduation night activities! As a potential donor, I’m curious to know who’s on the committee, how much money was raised for this year, what was spent and on what, how much was carried forward to next year, and where the money is secured.

  • Carl Viger July 22, 2009 (10:28 am)

    Hi, hope I can figure how to reply via blog. Thank you for your inquiry.Meeting at my house at 7 pm tonight I will have more accurate info after that, (call me at 938-4204 if you like). Exact dollars I cannot tell you for 2009 GN, (as I was more intermittantly involved this year) but I believe PTSA has helped us with about $2500 each of the last two years. I have been more the event planner, but 2009 GN Cheryl Ormsby and Sandy Watkins were co-chair, along with many others, the year previous (for 2008 GN), myself, Catha Elder, and Renee Tarabochia co-chaired. The money is all kept in the PTSA account for every fund raiser, we have witnesses count funds at each fund raiser and it is turned over to PTSA, who we work in tandem with. I may find out tonight if any was left over from 2009 for 2010, but I believe there was about (don’t quote me) $500 seed money from 2008 to get 2009 off the ground. Our community is special, we thank you for being part of it and your interest in GN! Please feel free to ask more questions, suggestions are appreciated as is any interest in GN. Westside is the Best Side!VTY, Carol Viger

  • kittylove July 22, 2009 (2:13 pm)

    what kind of activities are included during the grad night event?

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