A story appeared yesterday in the Maryland Community Newspapers Online regarding fundraising for school events such as after-prom parties. The article begins by saying...
"Funds raised by high school PTAs in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the state as part of an effort to bolster parental involvement. The legislation, which takes effect Oct. 1, ties into recent requests from Prince George’s school system officials for PTAs to become more active. The state law would match funds up to $5,435 per high school PTA."
Read the entire article here...
If you live in Maryland, this is great news, but if you reside in any of the other 49 states, you may want to contact your local representatives. Show them this story and ask if your state has any such programs in place, and if not... would they be willing to sponsor such a bill.
Lack of funds is possibly the biggest reason most schools or PTO's cite for not having an after-prom event for their school. However, when the goal is saving ONE child's life, no excuse is valid. In my book, the After Prom Party Guide, I spend a great deal of time discussing fundraising and how to launch a successful program. With or without your state's 50/50 fundraising plan, getting your community behind such an event is a must.
If you are not involved in planning your school's after-prom party for 2008, please pass this along to other parents so that they can benefit from this news. Thanks!
BTW: Help us spread the word about the need for schools to hold an after-prom party. Most parents are not aware that this is one of the deadliest weekends of their child's lives... help us spread a "Life Saving Virus" and share the news! See: http://www.lifesavingvirus.com/
Showing posts with label party planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party planning. Show all posts
Friday, September 14, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Book Testimonial ~ A+
If your school is planning an after-prom party in 2008, you will need all the help you can get. My book, the After Prom Party Guide can save your organization a lot of time, money, frustration and I personally guarantee that it will help you retain your sanity! That's a pretty bold claim, but you don't need to take my word for it. The following is an email I received from a VERY satisfied customer...
We did have our after prom, it was April 14. It was a HUGE success. The best one the school has ever had and the best attended. We almost doubled the number of students attending from last year.
The book was extremely helpful. The part I liked best was the sample letters and checklists. There were a lot of good pointers that we would never have thought of either. I felt the book was very complete at covering all the areas of "what could go wrong" and how to prevent it. Luckily for us we had no problems but we were prepared!
I also really liked how easily the book read and how it was divided up. I printed it and then gave each of my committee heads the chapter that applied to them. They also found that very helpful, especially since none of us had ever done an After Prom party before. Whenever an issue came up we looked in the book and most times there was some piece of advice to help us.
Thanks so much for a wonderful book. I will recommend it to anyone I know starting an After Prom.
Sincerely,
M.R.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Prom party to be cancelled...
"Time is running out for parent volunteers to come forward... After more than 50 years as a staple of the spring prom, the parent-sponsored prom-to-dawn event is on death row due to an absence of volunteers. "As of this date, we don’t have anyone to do it,” said superintendent".....
You can read the rest of the article here, but this caption provides the essence of the story. A sad commentary on funding concerns and parents not being involved.
No, this is not a commentary on the parents of this particular high school, sadly this is happening in too many schools across the country. People are busy managing their lives, and most parents just don't realize the full reason for having an after prom party.
Ask any parent of any high school student that if having a party would save the life of one senior, could they find the time and money? If we could ask that question of each parent, this year's party would be the largest, most attended event in history. Unfortunately, most parents just don't know.
In my case, our high school was experiencing the same problem, there were no plans (or budget) to hold an after-prom party the year my daughter was asked to the prom. When I learned this I took it upon myself to do something about it. What you don't know is that I pulled together our affair in less than eight weeks.
Ideally, planning something like this should begin many months before the prom, but it can be done in a hurry if you are late getting started. I learned the hard way - what to do - and what not to do to stage a successful After Prom celebration.
If this scenario is being played out in your community, you can make a difference. You don't need an expensive event planner and a budget budget to make this happen. For my daughter's after prom party, we started with no dollars and no parents and ended up having the best party our high school ever had! The missing component is "you". Someone who will make the commitment of time and start the process to get other parents involved. Once that happens, nothing can stop you. THAT is why I wrote my book, the After Prom Party Guide.
Let me help you save time and show you how to raise the money for your community's after prom party. Hey, together we just may save a child's life. Learn more about the book...
You can read the rest of the article here, but this caption provides the essence of the story. A sad commentary on funding concerns and parents not being involved.
No, this is not a commentary on the parents of this particular high school, sadly this is happening in too many schools across the country. People are busy managing their lives, and most parents just don't realize the full reason for having an after prom party.
Ask any parent of any high school student that if having a party would save the life of one senior, could they find the time and money? If we could ask that question of each parent, this year's party would be the largest, most attended event in history. Unfortunately, most parents just don't know.
In my case, our high school was experiencing the same problem, there were no plans (or budget) to hold an after-prom party the year my daughter was asked to the prom. When I learned this I took it upon myself to do something about it. What you don't know is that I pulled together our affair in less than eight weeks.
Ideally, planning something like this should begin many months before the prom, but it can be done in a hurry if you are late getting started. I learned the hard way - what to do - and what not to do to stage a successful After Prom celebration.
If this scenario is being played out in your community, you can make a difference. You don't need an expensive event planner and a budget budget to make this happen. For my daughter's after prom party, we started with no dollars and no parents and ended up having the best party our high school ever had! The missing component is "you". Someone who will make the commitment of time and start the process to get other parents involved. Once that happens, nothing can stop you. THAT is why I wrote my book, the After Prom Party Guide.
It is easier to walk in the footsteps of others than blaze a new trail yourself.
Let me help you save time and show you how to raise the money for your community's after prom party. Hey, together we just may save a child's life. Learn more about the book...
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
New Year Recommendation
Happy New Year everyone. I hope that your family had a wonderful holiday and a safe New Year's celebration. Our family played it low key this year, we stayed home with a cozy fire and watched the ball drop in New York - even if it was two time zones away.
One of the worst things about holidays, and yes, proms and graduations, is the need so many people feel to overdo the celebrating. I'm not just talking about kids here, how many times have you seen a mature adult throw good sense out the window and get in a car and drive after a party where too much alcohol was 'enjoyed'.
That kind of thinking is what gets so many kids in trouble with prom and graduation celebrations. They just don't know how much is enough and years of experience is not on their side. Forget the fact that they're under age, if given the opportunity far too many will choose to celebrate their "coming of age" with alcohol... or drugs.
Protecting our teenagers from themselves was the motivation behind me organizing our first After Prom Party, and then write the book on how to plan such an event. This year, how about making a resolution to do what you can to make your teens prom and graduation an affair to remember. Let's try to save a life and offer the kids a safe and fun alternative to rowdy parties and after hours carousing. Get a copy of my book for your school or your PTA/PTO and help pull together a celebration that will give all the kids great memories - and hopefully save a child's life.
One of the worst things about holidays, and yes, proms and graduations, is the need so many people feel to overdo the celebrating. I'm not just talking about kids here, how many times have you seen a mature adult throw good sense out the window and get in a car and drive after a party where too much alcohol was 'enjoyed'.
That kind of thinking is what gets so many kids in trouble with prom and graduation celebrations. They just don't know how much is enough and years of experience is not on their side. Forget the fact that they're under age, if given the opportunity far too many will choose to celebrate their "coming of age" with alcohol... or drugs.
Protecting our teenagers from themselves was the motivation behind me organizing our first After Prom Party, and then write the book on how to plan such an event. This year, how about making a resolution to do what you can to make your teens prom and graduation an affair to remember. Let's try to save a life and offer the kids a safe and fun alternative to rowdy parties and after hours carousing. Get a copy of my book for your school or your PTA/PTO and help pull together a celebration that will give all the kids great memories - and hopefully save a child's life.
Make 2007 a Happy New Year
Monday, December 11, 2006
After Prom Party Guide - Thank You
In the belated spirit of Thanksgiving, I just wanted to add a quick post to say "thank you" to everyone who has already downloaded my book. I cannot tell you how (pleasantly) surprised I am. I honestly didn't expect to see much activity until the holidays were behind us.My guess was that most people would begin to get serious about prom party planning when school resumed in January. I didn't expect to see so much activity in December. I can only assume that the Press Release was responsible for the traffic.
In addition, I am really pleased that a few people have taken the time to email me telling me how much they like what I've done. You have no idea how that lifts my spirits. It is so rewarding to know that others appreciate your work, or that what you have done is helping someone else.
Thank you
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Should prom be casual?
I received a comment from Regina in NY and thought her question merited a response as a post because others may have the same thoughts...
I wanted to thank you and I have a question. I bought your book for our prom committee hoping that it would make our job easier. In fact, you gave me so many ideas, I think our collective heads will be swimming when I introduce the group to your book during our next meeting. What a great resource this will be as we move along this uncharted path, you've made our job so much easier, it doesn't look like you've missed anything. Thank you very much.
My question is this. Our school is a small inner-city high school where the majority of the parents are not well off. One of the concerns that the committee has is that a lot of the seniors may not go to the prom because they can't afford the dresses and all that goes with a modern prom. Do you think it would be acceptable to make the prom casual? We're afraid that the cost to attend may keep a lot of kids home.
What an insightful question. Thank YOU for buying my book, and taking the time to ask such an important question. I'm sure this is something that has been considered by many schools. These days, prom expenses are something that folks from all but the highest income levels must wrestle with - how much do you spend on your teenager's prom? A family does not need to be "financially disadvantaged" to feel the bite of prom expenses.
Over the past few decades, the prom in many areas has evolved from an annual semi-formal dance to a Hollywood-style red carpet ceremony. What was once just a reason to dress-up and socialize has become a major expensive affair. As I mention on the website and in my book, some affluent schools now spend six-figures on prom party planners alone. The words we associate with the prom create an expectation in most people's minds. Words like princess, prom queen, limos, Cinderella, corsage, prom gowns and tuxedos - the mind pictures these words create intensify the significance of the word 'prom'.
Should your committee consider making the prom a casual affair to save money? Certainly that is an option, but in my opinion, that could open the door to other issues. The least of which is that if the magnitude of the prom is diminished, attendance may suffer more than it might from the financial reasons. In addition, peer pressures could intensify if some teens dress casually and others choose to 'dress to the nines'.
There may be another solution. You may not be aware of this, but there are hundreds of organizations all over the country that obtain 'gently worn' prom dresses, tuxedos and accessories and offer them to students whose financial situation could prevent them from attending their school's prom. Typically, students need only produce a high school ID to qualify. These clothes and accessories are either free or extremely affordable. Some of these organizations have outfitted thousands of students over the years.
In keeping with my mission of offering alternative solutions to prom related issues, our webmaster has compiled what may be the most definitive list of free or low-cost prom apparel organizations. We link this from the "Resource" area of our website. Hopefully, one of these "Fairy Godmother" organizations is near enough to your area to be the solution to this problem. I wish you well with your prom and the party your committee is planning.
Reference: http://www.after-prom.org/prom_attire_redux.html
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Press Release 11/22/06
After Prom Party Guide aims to prevent prom night tragedies
A "Fast Start" approach to planning an after prom party for high school seniors presented as an instant download eBook. How to make prom night one to remember - not a tragic night to forget.
KALISPELL, MT―November 21, 2006― The high school senior prom is supposed to be one of the happiest days of our children's life, but for too many kids it turns into a horrible tragedy. Drugs, alcohol and a "coming-of-age tradition" of rowdy parties usually means that some kids will end their revelry in police custody or with hangovers, and far too many vehicle accidents - or worse.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, on a typical prom weekend, 48 American teenagers are killed in vehicle crashes and 40 percent of the deaths are alcohol-related. Lori Heatherington discovered those shocking facts soon after her daughter announced she had been asked to the senior prom, and the topic of an After Prom party was discussed.
After discovering the DOT statistics, and learning that her daughter's school was making no provisions for an After Prom event, Lori decided to get organized and make something happen. Her remarkable efforts resulted in an After Prom party that was more appealing to the students than engaging in other potentially dangerous activities. The party was such a huge success that the school requested that Lori pass on her notes, outline and plan so that it could be used in upcoming years.
Heatherington realized that parents and schools across the country could benefit from her hard won knowledge, so at the urging of other parents, she compiled her exhaustive notes into a comprehensive how to guide. The 'After Prom Party Guide' is a step-by-step instruction manual for parents and school organizations (PTAs, PTOs) who want to know how to plan a compelling alternative to non-sanctioned activities after the prom.
The After Prom Party Guide is a "Fast Start", in-depth blueprint that covers everything from facility selection and fundraising to meeting agendas, liability and security issues, decorating, party themes and every related topic. Also included are form letters, checklists and even a creative telemarketing script to be used when requesting donations from businesses. Heatherington offers tips on how to win over the teenagers by promising and delivering a fun-filled and entertaining party. The 'After Prom Party Planning Handbook' sells for $24.97 and is available for immediate download from her website, http://www.after-prom.org/.
About After Prom.org
After Prom.org™ is owned and operated by Lori Heatherington, author, mom and owner of a small business. Lori holds a marketing degree from Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas. She was involved in one of the first ISPs in the country and that experience prompted her to co-author her first book, which was published by Macmillan entitled, "The Complete Small Business Internet Guide". Lori currently works full-time for the Humane Society of Northwest Montana as Administrative Director.
Additional information ISBN: 1-4276-1231-5
A "Fast Start" approach to planning an after prom party for high school seniors presented as an instant download eBook. How to make prom night one to remember - not a tragic night to forget.
KALISPELL, MT―November 21, 2006― The high school senior prom is supposed to be one of the happiest days of our children's life, but for too many kids it turns into a horrible tragedy. Drugs, alcohol and a "coming-of-age tradition" of rowdy parties usually means that some kids will end their revelry in police custody or with hangovers, and far too many vehicle accidents - or worse.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, on a typical prom weekend, 48 American teenagers are killed in vehicle crashes and 40 percent of the deaths are alcohol-related. Lori Heatherington discovered those shocking facts soon after her daughter announced she had been asked to the senior prom, and the topic of an After Prom party was discussed.
After discovering the DOT statistics, and learning that her daughter's school was making no provisions for an After Prom event, Lori decided to get organized and make something happen. Her remarkable efforts resulted in an After Prom party that was more appealing to the students than engaging in other potentially dangerous activities. The party was such a huge success that the school requested that Lori pass on her notes, outline and plan so that it could be used in upcoming years.
Heatherington realized that parents and schools across the country could benefit from her hard won knowledge, so at the urging of other parents, she compiled her exhaustive notes into a comprehensive how to guide. The 'After Prom Party Guide' is a step-by-step instruction manual for parents and school organizations (PTAs, PTOs) who want to know how to plan a compelling alternative to non-sanctioned activities after the prom.
The After Prom Party Guide is a "Fast Start", in-depth blueprint that covers everything from facility selection and fundraising to meeting agendas, liability and security issues, decorating, party themes and every related topic. Also included are form letters, checklists and even a creative telemarketing script to be used when requesting donations from businesses. Heatherington offers tips on how to win over the teenagers by promising and delivering a fun-filled and entertaining party. The 'After Prom Party Planning Handbook' sells for $24.97 and is available for immediate download from her website, http://www.after-prom.org/.
About After Prom.org
After Prom.org™ is owned and operated by Lori Heatherington, author, mom and owner of a small business. Lori holds a marketing degree from Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas. She was involved in one of the first ISPs in the country and that experience prompted her to co-author her first book, which was published by Macmillan entitled, "The Complete Small Business Internet Guide". Lori currently works full-time for the Humane Society of Northwest Montana as Administrative Director.
Additional information ISBN: 1-4276-1231-5
# # #
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Why Plan an After Prom Party
From the time I enrolled my daughter in elementary school it seemed that the world was out to ruin her innocence.
Her know-it-all six year old friends with older brothers and sisters shared the world’s reality with her on a daily basis. And I, who was happy living in the land of talking stuffed animals, was in no hurry to debate the concept of Santa Claus.
Unfortunately, that age of innocence doesn’t last long enough. Whether we like it or not, reality plops itself on the sofa in our living room and sits there while our children struggle through adolescence. About the time that we’re able to find some common ground, they’re talking to us about claiming their independence and graduating from high school.
This is an excerpt from an article I wrote for publication. Read the entire article here...
Her know-it-all six year old friends with older brothers and sisters shared the world’s reality with her on a daily basis. And I, who was happy living in the land of talking stuffed animals, was in no hurry to debate the concept of Santa Claus.
Unfortunately, that age of innocence doesn’t last long enough. Whether we like it or not, reality plops itself on the sofa in our living room and sits there while our children struggle through adolescence. About the time that we’re able to find some common ground, they’re talking to us about claiming their independence and graduating from high school.
This is an excerpt from an article I wrote for publication. Read the entire article here...
Saturday, November 11, 2006
A Significant Question
I was speaking with a friend yesterday regarding the announcement of my new book, the “After Prom Party Guide”. I was telling her how excited I was and about the wonderful comments I was already receiving from people. I just couldn’t believe that in less than two days, people were already commenting about my book. It is so gratifying to hear that others are seeing the value in this and appreciate all the effort that went into it.
Out of the blue, my friend asked me a question that I had not seriously considered (at least on a conscious level) up to this point. She asked, “What is the one thing you want someone to get from reading your book”?
Wow, that really made me think… Obviously, I want people to use the guide to help them plan and stage an event that keeps teenagers off the street during this most dangerous night of their lives. I want them to see the tips and suggestions I have about every topic. I want them to learn how to raise the money, create awareness, protect themselves and their organization from liability issues and I would hope that people learn something from every page…
After pondering her question, I told her that to me… “people will see the value in this book when they put it down and say something like…
I didn’t know that or...
I never thought about those things”
With so many things in life, it is often that “ONE” idea that makes an impact or changes how we do something or look at things. I guess I want people to read my book and come away with knowledge that they didn’t know before reading the After Prom Party Guide. THAT is what I want people to get from this book
Out of the blue, my friend asked me a question that I had not seriously considered (at least on a conscious level) up to this point. She asked, “What is the one thing you want someone to get from reading your book”?
Wow, that really made me think… Obviously, I want people to use the guide to help them plan and stage an event that keeps teenagers off the street during this most dangerous night of their lives. I want them to see the tips and suggestions I have about every topic. I want them to learn how to raise the money, create awareness, protect themselves and their organization from liability issues and I would hope that people learn something from every page…
After pondering her question, I told her that to me… “people will see the value in this book when they put it down and say something like…
I didn’t know that or...
I never thought about those things”
With so many things in life, it is often that “ONE” idea that makes an impact or changes how we do something or look at things. I guess I want people to read my book and come away with knowledge that they didn’t know before reading the After Prom Party Guide. THAT is what I want people to get from this book
Thursday, November 09, 2006
After Prom Party Guide Now Available
After a comprehensive rewrite and months of exhaustive research and interviews, Version 2 of the After Prom Party Guide has been released. It is now available for immediate download.
In addition to a detailed course of action, specifics about what to do, how to do it, where to go for help and how to finance, promote and stage an after prom party, the book includes everything from your first meeting agenda, party theme ideas to sample solicitation letters.
This powerful new eBook is an all-encompassing "how to" instruction manual for staging an event that will have the kids talking for months afterwards. BUT most of all, this is a solution to keeping kids safe on one of the most dangerous nights of their lives.
What's more, this is about helping you save time, money and frustration. The guide covers every conceivable facet of planning, organizing, promoting and producing your event. Please visit our main website and learn more about this new eBook, the After Prom Party Guide !
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Testimonial
I just received a testimonial about the After Prom Party Guide that I wanted to share. This testimonial came from Mac Bledsoe, who is a teacher, coach, parent and author of "Parenting With Dignity" books and DVD program. Mac is also the father of famed Dallas Quarterback, Drew Bledsoe. Mac wrote...
"It has been my privilege, over a thirty-year career, to work with kids as a teacher, coach, and parent and I must say that one of the most recurring problems during that time has been the Prom Night Parties! I have seen, first hand, some of the terrible things that can happen on prom night. Not until this book have I ever seen a plan for preventing the terrible things form happening, while at the same time preserving the excitement, wonderful traditions, and lasting memories of that great event in every kid's life. This book is a must read for every parent with a child of an age to attend a prom dance! The suggestions in this book will make the Prom Night more fun for kids while preventing the common problems associated with that event!."
You can read other testimonials here.
"It has been my privilege, over a thirty-year career, to work with kids as a teacher, coach, and parent and I must say that one of the most recurring problems during that time has been the Prom Night Parties! I have seen, first hand, some of the terrible things that can happen on prom night. Not until this book have I ever seen a plan for preventing the terrible things form happening, while at the same time preserving the excitement, wonderful traditions, and lasting memories of that great event in every kid's life. This book is a must read for every parent with a child of an age to attend a prom dance! The suggestions in this book will make the Prom Night more fun for kids while preventing the common problems associated with that event!."
You can read other testimonials here.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Who needs this?
We ALL know what can happen on prom night - after the prom. We either learned the hard way, or read about incidents in the newspaper. Whether we want to admit it or not, prom night is often viewed as a "right of passage" and an excuse to abandon values and common sense and go wild.
The After Prom Party Guide is a remarkable new eBook crammed full of effective and proven procedures, sample solicitation letters, party theme ideas, instructions on what to do, how to do it, where to go for help and how to finance an After Prom party that will have the kids talking for months afterwards. BUT most of all, this is a solution to keeping YOUR kids safe on one of the most dangerous nights of their lives.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, on a typical prom weekend:
The After Prom Party Guide is a remarkable new eBook crammed full of effective and proven procedures, sample solicitation letters, party theme ideas, instructions on what to do, how to do it, where to go for help and how to finance an After Prom party that will have the kids talking for months afterwards. BUT most of all, this is a solution to keeping YOUR kids safe on one of the most dangerous nights of their lives.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, on a typical prom weekend:
- 48 American teenagers are killed in vehicle crashes
- 5,202 are injured
- 40% of the deaths are alcohol-related
As parents and caregivers, it is sometimes necessary to protect our children from themselves. Prom night is one of our last opportunities to do this.
So, "who needs this book"?
Every high school in the country.
This book is about helping you save time, money and frustration. Mostly - this book is about saving lives. The purpose of this book is to serve as a detailed "Fast Start" guide for parents and PTOs to stage a substance free After Prom party that is FUN. The guide covers every conceivable facet of planning, organizing, promoting and producing your event.
Don't put this off a moment longer, get the book and begin organizing your after-prom party today! Learn all about it here...
Welcome Message
Thank you for visiting our After-Prom blog. The purpose of this blog is to support our new After Prom Party Planning Guide by offering new information and resources to assist your party planning efforts.
In many cases it is not the PTA/PTO or the school that organizes the after-prom party. It is often the loving, concerned parents who take it upon themselves to ensure that their children have a safe, fun alternative to 'traditional' After Prom carousing. Those parents seldom if ever have unlimited resources or "Hollywood prom party budgets".
If we provide just ONE idea for you, it could save you thousands of dollars... and yes, possibly even save a child's life. That is why we created the After-Prom Party Guide. In the After Prom Party Guide you will get event planning tips from concept to completion! Coordinate a safe, fun, drug and alcohol-free, teen-focused celebration with entertaining and engaging activities. Learn more about our After Prom Party Guide by clicking here.
Thank you!
In many cases it is not the PTA/PTO or the school that organizes the after-prom party. It is often the loving, concerned parents who take it upon themselves to ensure that their children have a safe, fun alternative to 'traditional' After Prom carousing. Those parents seldom if ever have unlimited resources or "Hollywood prom party budgets".
If we provide just ONE idea for you, it could save you thousands of dollars... and yes, possibly even save a child's life. That is why we created the After-Prom Party Guide. In the After Prom Party Guide you will get event planning tips from concept to completion! Coordinate a safe, fun, drug and alcohol-free, teen-focused celebration with entertaining and engaging activities. Learn more about our After Prom Party Guide by clicking here.
Thank you!
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