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 prom party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prom party. Show all posts
Friday, September 14, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
The party's over...
The 2007 prom season is winding down as most schools have already had their proms or are scheduled to do so in the upcoming weeks. It has been a happy time for some, and the worst of times for others. As is usually the case at this time of the year, the news stories have been coming in relating "Prom Night Tragedies". I monitor prom-related news and stories via Google Alerts and seldom a day goes by that stories such as this are reported...
The 2007 prom season may be over, but we still have graduation ahead of us and the same after-graduation parties are planned. It is not too late to get your organization motivated to organize an event that will keep the kids safe on this special night. My book may be titled the "After Prom Party Guide", but it plays just as well for graduation party planning.
To all those parents, schools, PTAs/PTOs and other organizations who had the foresight to plan a party for the kids....
Many of those schools or organizations that did not sponsor an all night after-prom party saw such things happen in their communities. It is not enough that some kids or parents sponsor an "un-official" after-prom party as these private affairs have a way of getting out of hand. In addition, some parents think they are doing the kids a favor by providing alcohol to teens in a "supervised" fashion."Several of the underage people had made statements that the alcoholic beverages was (sic) provided by the home owners," the warrants stated.
Two high school seniors and the mother of a girl who threw an after-prom party have been charged as part of the investigation in the death of an 18-year-old student at the party.2 Students, Adult Charged In After-Prom Party Where 1 Died
When 'little prom party blew up'
Once prom ended, the partying began
The 2007 prom season may be over, but we still have graduation ahead of us and the same after-graduation parties are planned. It is not too late to get your organization motivated to organize an event that will keep the kids safe on this special night. My book may be titled the "After Prom Party Guide", but it plays just as well for graduation party planning.
To all those parents, schools, PTAs/PTOs and other organizations who had the foresight to plan a party for the kids....
Thank You!
You may have saved someones life!
You may have saved someones life!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
A bus to the prom?
Sure sounds awful, doesn't it - if you're a teenager - to be forced onto a bus for prom transportation? Lexington High School in Attleboro, MA is joining a handful of other schools in requiring that juniors and seniors travel to and from proms this spring on chartered buses. As you might expect, many students are reportedly furious and protesting. Read the entire story...
We don't need to enter into a debate about prom bussing - goodness knows the purpose is the same that motivated me to write the After Prom Party Guide. First and foremost we want to keep our kids safe on what has become one of the deadliest nights of their lives. The after prom party addresses that challenge, but there is still the transportation to and from the prom and the party.
Over time, we may see more and more schools take this stance. An accident in a community or rightful concern for school liability issues may prompt some to consider this as an option. This may be the strongest case for hiring a limo for most parents. We may not like the additional expense, but knowing the kids are safe and not behind the wheel is a good thing.
NOTE: If you are weighing such options, please take a moment to look at the Limos.com feature in the resource area of my website. Limos.com has a neat service that lets you shop for a limousine from virtually any city in the country. For parents, remember this service when you need airport transportation, too. Try Limos.com free quote service.
We don't need to enter into a debate about prom bussing - goodness knows the purpose is the same that motivated me to write the After Prom Party Guide. First and foremost we want to keep our kids safe on what has become one of the deadliest nights of their lives. The after prom party addresses that challenge, but there is still the transportation to and from the prom and the party.
Over time, we may see more and more schools take this stance. An accident in a community or rightful concern for school liability issues may prompt some to consider this as an option. This may be the strongest case for hiring a limo for most parents. We may not like the additional expense, but knowing the kids are safe and not behind the wheel is a good thing.
NOTE: If you are weighing such options, please take a moment to look at the Limos.com feature in the resource area of my website. Limos.com has a neat service that lets you shop for a limousine from virtually any city in the country. For parents, remember this service when you need airport transportation, too. Try Limos.com free quote service.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Prom Party Resources
Hey folks, have you have spent any time on the party resource area of our website yet? This is where we link to many of the helpful resources I mention in the book. If you are in the process of planning your prom party, take a few minutes to see what we have pulled together. We have links from everything from discount party decorations to corsages and even free prom dresses. Check it out here.
One of the really helpful links we found is a nationwide search company called Limos.com that can find and reserve a limousine for the big night. They also are a great resource for airport trips and other such transportation needs. Take a test drive of their reservation service here.
I've heard from many of you who are now fully absorbed in the planning of your school's after prom party. I wish you all the best and hope that because of my book, you were able to save money or get at least one good idea that will help make your event a success.
If you are a new visitor to this blog and haven't yet discovered the After Prom Party Guide, I encourage you to visit our website and see what the book is all about. These after prom events are VERY important and just may save a teenager's life.
One of the really helpful links we found is a nationwide search company called Limos.com that can find and reserve a limousine for the big night. They also are a great resource for airport trips and other such transportation needs. Take a test drive of their reservation service here.
I've heard from many of you who are now fully absorbed in the planning of your school's after prom party. I wish you all the best and hope that because of my book, you were able to save money or get at least one good idea that will help make your event a success.
If you are a new visitor to this blog and haven't yet discovered the After Prom Party Guide, I encourage you to visit our website and see what the book is all about. These after prom events are VERY important and just may save a teenager's life.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Prom Party Time Approaching
Hey parents, its time!
The High School prom is only a couple short months away and if your school or PTA/PTO organization hasn't yet finalized plans for an after-prom party… now's the time for action.
The sooner a plan is put in place - the better - for all concerned. The kids will get a first rate event, and you parents who are charged with pulling this together will sleep easier knowing what to do to make this a successful party. Fact is, even if your planning in in place and your organization is holding meetings and laying the groundwork, I'll bet there is something you could be forgetting. My after prom party planning guide leaves no stone unturned and just may offer some help in areas you haven't planned for. Whether it be security concerns, choosing the right menu or figuring out how you will entertain a group of kids for the night - I think I can help.
If you haven't yet downloaded a copy of the After Prom Party Guide… its time!
The High School prom is only a couple short months away and if your school or PTA/PTO organization hasn't yet finalized plans for an after-prom party… now's the time for action.
The sooner a plan is put in place - the better - for all concerned. The kids will get a first rate event, and you parents who are charged with pulling this together will sleep easier knowing what to do to make this a successful party. Fact is, even if your planning in in place and your organization is holding meetings and laying the groundwork, I'll bet there is something you could be forgetting. My after prom party planning guide leaves no stone unturned and just may offer some help in areas you haven't planned for. Whether it be security concerns, choosing the right menu or figuring out how you will entertain a group of kids for the night - I think I can help.
If you haven't yet downloaded a copy of the After Prom Party Guide… its time!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
After Prom Party Entertainment
I received an email from a PTA mom who asked, "What's a good entertainment idea to have for an after-prom party?"
The best answer is to quote from my book's Event Planning section which says:
Most likely, the evening’s entertainment will be influenced by the "theme" you select for the party. As an example, if you choose a Casino Night theme, most of the entertainment is provided by the variety of Las Vegas style casino games.
Regardless of your party's theme, you will need to plan other entertainment activities to supplement the main party theme. Remember, this will be an "all-night" affair. No matter how well planned, the excitement will ebb and flow, so have plenty of clever ideas prepared. You don’t want to have long gaps between activities. Have some "mini events" sprinkled throughout the room. As an example, contact local colleges’ art departments and ask for volunteers to sketch caricatures. Put out the call for amateur magicians who would mingle with the crowd performing close-up magic tricks - hypnotists, handwriting analysts too!
Schedule activities that will continue all night, but don’t forget to plan some relaxing activities as well. Even teenagers will have trouble partying all night unless there is a balance of things to do. Some may enjoy sitting and playing a board game such as bingo especially if the prizes are appealing.
Contact the school’s yearbook committee in advance and ask if they would assemble a class history pictorial slide show. This could be played as the party is getting started or played when there is a pause in the excitement.
Create a posterity wall. Cover a wall with thick white paper (i.e. butcher paper) and encourage students to write a message or add graffiti. Offer to give the paper to a class leader to keep until the 5 or 10 year class reunion.
Film the After Prom party. Ask a parent volunteer to film a video of the party and play it as breakfast is being served and things are winding down.
The best answer is to quote from my book's Event Planning section which says:
Most likely, the evening’s entertainment will be influenced by the "theme" you select for the party. As an example, if you choose a Casino Night theme, most of the entertainment is provided by the variety of Las Vegas style casino games.
Regardless of your party's theme, you will need to plan other entertainment activities to supplement the main party theme. Remember, this will be an "all-night" affair. No matter how well planned, the excitement will ebb and flow, so have plenty of clever ideas prepared. You don’t want to have long gaps between activities. Have some "mini events" sprinkled throughout the room. As an example, contact local colleges’ art departments and ask for volunteers to sketch caricatures. Put out the call for amateur magicians who would mingle with the crowd performing close-up magic tricks - hypnotists, handwriting analysts too!
Schedule activities that will continue all night, but don’t forget to plan some relaxing activities as well. Even teenagers will have trouble partying all night unless there is a balance of things to do. Some may enjoy sitting and playing a board game such as bingo especially if the prizes are appealing.
Contact the school’s yearbook committee in advance and ask if they would assemble a class history pictorial slide show. This could be played as the party is getting started or played when there is a pause in the excitement.
Create a posterity wall. Cover a wall with thick white paper (i.e. butcher paper) and encourage students to write a message or add graffiti. Offer to give the paper to a class leader to keep until the 5 or 10 year class reunion.
Film the After Prom party. Ask a parent volunteer to film a video of the party and play it as breakfast is being served and things are winding down.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
After Prom Party Guide endorsement
The following press release is scheduled for January 15, 2007
After Prom Party Guide endorsed by former PTA State Executive Director
After Prom Party Guide is a "Fast Start" blueprint for planning high school after-prom parties offered as an instant download. Learn how to make prom night one to remember - not a tragic night to forget.
KALISPELL, MT – January 15, 2007- Already recommended by parents and well-known parenting experts like Mac Bledsoe, author of the Parenting With Dignity books and videos, Lori Heatherington’s new book, the After Prom Party Guide has received praise from former Washington state PTA Executive Director, Jim Carpenter. Jim headed the Washington state PTA from 1985 to 2000. After reviewing the final manuscript, he said:
The premise of the After Prom Party Guide is to provide parents, schools, PTAs and PTOs with a detailed step-by-step instruction manual about how to plan and stage an after prom party. The guide covers every facet of event planning from fundraising and facility options to liability and security concerns, party themes, entertainment, decorating tips, and every essential issue related to producing such an important event. Included in this book and the complimentary website, are sample solicitation letters, checklists and even an ingenious telemarketing script to be used when requesting cash and product donations from businesses. Heatherington’s book also offers tips on how to win over the teenagers by promising and delivering a fun-filled and entertaining event.
“I am very excited that my book is now attracting such significant attention; this is so important. My goal is to get this book in the hands of every school and parent’s organization, or any parent that wants to make sure their child has something fun to do on one of the most dangerous nights of their lives. Most parents are simply not aware that thousands of American teenagers will be injured and scores will be killed on the night of their senior prom. Solving this crisis is what this book is all about”, says Mrs. Heatherington.
About the Author and After Prom.org
Lori works full-time for the Humane Society of Northwest Montana as Administrative Director. After Prom.org™ is owned and operated by Lori Heatherington, author, mom and owner of a small consulting business. She holds a marketing degree from Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas. The 'After Prom Party Guide' sells for $24.97 and is available for immediate download from her website, www.after-prom.org.
After Prom Party Guide endorsed by former PTA State Executive Director
After Prom Party Guide is a "Fast Start" blueprint for planning high school after-prom parties offered as an instant download. Learn how to make prom night one to remember - not a tragic night to forget.
KALISPELL, MT – January 15, 2007- Already recommended by parents and well-known parenting experts like Mac Bledsoe, author of the Parenting With Dignity books and videos, Lori Heatherington’s new book, the After Prom Party Guide has received praise from former Washington state PTA Executive Director, Jim Carpenter. Jim headed the Washington state PTA from 1985 to 2000. After reviewing the final manuscript, he said:
“As a former executive director with the Washington State PTA, I wish this book had been available when I was working closely with PTAs and schools. This is an excellent resource and an outstanding planning guide for parents who want to plan an effective and fun post-graduation party – a party that the students will want to attend and a party at which they will be safe. I highly recommend it and encourage every parent group to get this book.”
The premise of the After Prom Party Guide is to provide parents, schools, PTAs and PTOs with a detailed step-by-step instruction manual about how to plan and stage an after prom party. The guide covers every facet of event planning from fundraising and facility options to liability and security concerns, party themes, entertainment, decorating tips, and every essential issue related to producing such an important event. Included in this book and the complimentary website, are sample solicitation letters, checklists and even an ingenious telemarketing script to be used when requesting cash and product donations from businesses. Heatherington’s book also offers tips on how to win over the teenagers by promising and delivering a fun-filled and entertaining event.
“I am very excited that my book is now attracting such significant attention; this is so important. My goal is to get this book in the hands of every school and parent’s organization, or any parent that wants to make sure their child has something fun to do on one of the most dangerous nights of their lives. Most parents are simply not aware that thousands of American teenagers will be injured and scores will be killed on the night of their senior prom. Solving this crisis is what this book is all about”, says Mrs. Heatherington.
About the Author and After Prom.org
Lori works full-time for the Humane Society of Northwest Montana as Administrative Director. After Prom.org™ is owned and operated by Lori Heatherington, author, mom and owner of a small consulting business. She holds a marketing degree from Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas. The 'After Prom Party Guide' sells for $24.97 and is available for immediate download from her website, www.after-prom.org.
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
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 !
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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