Continuing two traditions, the senior class of 2009 from Sequim High School is raising funds for the annual safe and sober party.
One of the main fundraisers, yard flamingos, continues to be the biggest and most unusual draw for the class.
"It’s our biggest fundraiser so far," said Duane Baker, a parent volunteer.
Students and their parents bring five of the flashy pink birds to settle onto a person’s lawn.
There is a $25 fee to have a flock removed, with a $5 option to send the flock elsewhere. People also can avoid the birds’ return by paying an anti-flocking fee of $10.
Larger donations can provide a combination of options.
Fifty flamingos currently are circulating in the Sequim area.
Contact Karen Baker at 681-7506 about the flamingo fundraiser.
Tim Richards, another parent volunteer, said the senior class has raised about $10,000 of its $28,000 goal.
This year is expected to be SHS’ largest graduating class; the goal is to reward the students with as many prizes as possible.
Parent volunteer Karen Baker said money will buy refreshments, decorations and prizes, provide for a disc jockey, old-fashioned photo booth, nongambling casino games such as bingo, poker and black jack, and a money drop at midnight.
Since the students already will have graduated, the school does not sponsor the event, but the staff does endorse it.
"The graduation party is an exceptional opportunity to ensure a safe conclusion to an evening of celebration," said Bill Bentley, Sequim schools’ superintendent. Parent volunteers know they have a big goal but they remain optimistic.
"It’s been harder with our economy, but we’ll get there," said Karen Baker.
"We know things are tough, so we are grateful for all donations," said Duane Baker.
Sequim Community Foundation is an umbrella corporation for groups such as the safe and sober party to use the foundation’s nonprofit status. This allows donations for the party to be tax-deductible.
"If you can keep kids safe that one night, then statistically they have a great chance for the rest of their lives. We’re glad and excited to help them," said Tom Mix, Sequim Community Foundation president.
The foundation began donating these services to graduates in 2002.
"We are making this the ‘can’t miss event,’" Richards said.
The safe and sober party, "A Night to Treasure," with a pirate theme, will be from
9 p.m.-4 a.m. Friday, June 12,
at Sequim Community Church, 950 N. Sequim Ave.
"Our goal is to keep things sober because before the party came about here, it was common for people to die in car accidents," Duane Baker said.
The substance-free party has been going on for at least 15 years.
"Please lend your support to this safe and sane event. No students have been involved in crashes or unsafe behavior since the inception of this supervised party," said Robert Spinks, chief of Sequim Police.
Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
Events:
Car wash
At Tarcisio’s Italian Place, 609 W. Washington St., Sequim.
Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25.
Ongoing raffle
Buy $5 tickets on Wednesdays at Safeway, 680 W. Washington St., Sequim, or call Christine Paulsen for tickets at 360-452-8262.
_ Fishing float trip for two by Rainshadow Enterprises, plus two custom fishing rods
_ Private, romantic getaway for two overlooking Sequim Bay at "The Loft"
Tickets let you choose which trip you’d like, with both trips given away at drawing May 5.
Golf for Graduates
SkyRidge Golf Course,
7015 Old Olympic Highway,
Sequim
Check-in: 8 a.m.; start: 9 a.m. Saturday, May 23
Four-person scramble with a twist: On the day of the tournament, SkyRidge auctions off members of the Sequim High School boys and girls golf teams, who will add a fifth player to each team.
$5 mulligans; $1 long putt; $10/person honey pot, all optional
$50 per person/$200 per team – Includes 18 holes, range balls, lunch, awards, dessert and prizes
Want to play and don’t have a team? Call 683-3673.
Early registration is appreciated.
