<p>My S has an idea for the junior/senior prom and, under the theory that there is nothing new under the sun, I thought I’d see if anyone had seen this done at their schools.</p>
<p>In short, he would like to take the prom, tone it down and raise money for third world children. He would do this by encouraging students to not rent a tux/buy a pricey dress and come to a group dinner at the school sponsored by local merchants in place of the big dinner out. Money that kids didn’t spend on the prom “stuff” would be gathered and sent to a charity. Maybe make the addmission to the dinner $75.00 and give everyone an armband to wear to the dance. Could call it something like “Prom-In-Aid”.</p>
<p>Ever seen this done? Any suggestions from this brilliant group?</p>
<p>Please try and build on the idea, not rip it up. We’re trying to be positive.</p>
<p>The h/s one of my Ds went to did something similar for the prom. They still had the prom but, like with every other event at their school, they added a charity component to it. The committee which organized it surveyed the student body and chose a charity which they wanted to support. The year my D was on the committee it was the city’s AIDS Hospice. Other charities which were supported while she was there were Ronald McDonald House, the city’s Children’s Hospital, UNICEF, the Cancer Society, and a new heart transplant unit at a local hospital. They negotiated with the venue where the prom was to be held to reduce the amount they charged per person, and also to make a donation. The ticket prices added an extra amount, which in concert with the reduced price, created a fairly substantial contribution from each ticket-buyer. I’m sorry I don’t recall the exact amounts because it’s been a few years ago now.</p>
<p>Fundraisers were held in the months leading up to the prom and advertising was sold in the programs which were being printed, again to raise additional funds. They also canvassed all of the school’s families and alumni. This school has a very dedicated group of students, teachers, and parents. It’s an arts h/s which draws kids from all over the city and surrounding towns. Everyone who is there WANTS to be there and the things that these kids accomplish are truly wonderful. The year of my D’s prom, they were able to present a check for several thousand dollars to the AIDS Hospice. I think it’s great when kids are involved in projects like this and I wish your S and his school the best of luck.</p>
<p>Wow. My father was a leader in something very similar, many years ago, in Cleveland, Ohio. I can’t offer any specific advice, but I remember him saying that the whole idea was to make the event attendable by everyone, and to jettison all the superfluous expensive stuff–no tuxes. And it worked.</p>
<p>The kids at S’s school did a similar thing last year. Usually the 11-12 grade parents have several fundraisers throughout the school year to defray the costs of a fancy prom so the price can be kept reasonable. There are always also a lot of donations solicited from various business to give door prizes & such.</p>
<p>Last year the kids all agreed to forego the extras and donated all the money to the Red Cross for Pakistan earthquake relief.</p>
<p>We might all have more specific ideas if we knew more of what was customary at your son’s school for prom. Is there a big ticket item that can have a substitute, say a DJ for a live band? In our area, limos are a big deal (although our school does not permit them). </p>
<p>Here’s one idea: solicit freebie coupons from local businesses, like buy 1 get 1 free pizza, or 2nd line bowling free, 2 for 1 subs, 1/2 price 5pm movie, whatever is popular with your towns’ kids, bundle them in a bag and sell them to the kids for say $5. Be sure to include some things just for the guys (time at batting cages, laser tag?) and some for the gals (manicure discount?). Don’t make it lopsided.</p>