Senior Grad Party plans in place - need donations

DAYTON -- Plans for the annual Dayton High School Safe Grad Night Party are shaping up, but help is still needed.

Central Lyon County Parks and Recreation Director Jannette Hoffert coordinates the affair. With only three weeks to go until the June 7 graduation date, she is still accepting donations to help toward the remaining $2,500 shortfall.

Additional prizes for participants are also needed. All of the food, money and prize donations come from the community. No county funds are used.

"Costs increase each year. Rent for the facility is $1,500 and we are hiring a bus driver for transportation," she said. "Everyone who attends will win at least one prize. With about 75 percent of the class expected to attend, we definitely need more donations."

Hoffert said adult chaperones for the all-night party have been lined up, but getting parental participation in soliciting donations seems to be getting more difficult each year.

"It is really one of the easiest things to get businesses to donate to. They always seem more willing to give to this than to other causes, but we need people to actually go out and ask."

This year's event is being held at the Incline Village Recreation Center. A school district driver is being hired to drive the Park and Recreation bus that will be used to transport the graduates. Parents may drop off participants, but Hoffert discourages students from driving themselves.

All graduates must be at the facility by 10:00 p.m. Anyone leaving prior to 5 p.m. may not return and will not be eligible for any prizes. Planned activities include full use of the swimming pool, Ping Pong, shuffleboard, basketball and volleyball facilities. Novelty games and contests are also scheduled. Food will be served throughout the evening.

The alcohol-free party has been held almost every year since 1991 with graduate participation ranging between 75 percent and 96 percent. Hoffert has remained an active supporter and participant even after her three children graduated years ago. While most chaperones work in two- to three-hour shifts. Hoffert spends the entire evening, assuring things run smoothly.

"This is one of my favorite things to do. We have never had anything close to a problem. The kids make it so much fun."

Anyone wishing to assist with the event or make a donation is asked to call Hoffert at 246-6227.