West Hartford’s Conard High School is looking for support for this year’s post-graduation alcohol- and drug-free party.

Submitted

For over 35 years, the parents of Conard High School senior class have hosted a Safe Grad event with one main goal in mind: giving kids a safe place to celebrate on graduation night.

It’s an all-night, alcohol- and drug-free party held within the safety of the school. The event is free for all Conard seniors and features entertainment, food, games, and prizes. The objective of Safe Grad is to reduce the number of graduation night traffic and alcohol related tragedies. Conard parents are responsible for this entire event. No funding is provided by the school or town for this event.

In the past, students have won big prizes like dorm refrigerators, iPods, and various gift cards, but the purpose of the all-night party also holds a deeper meaning – spending one last night together as the Class of 2025!

West Hartford’s Conard High School Safe Grad Committee is in full-blown fundraising mode for their BIG event the night of graduation on June 11. “We have some amazing events coming up in April and May and would love to get the community involved,” said Janet Wolfe, Conard Safe Grad 2025 president. “We have a big goal to reach and could use everyone’s help!”

Conard’s Safe Grad Committee hit a rocky start this year. After 35 years of using the same location as a working storage space, they were told they needed to vacate and find a new location. That was coupled with the fact that some of the previously-used props were damaged when their storage location was flooded over the summer. They were previously occupying a 4,200-square-foot space, and had to downsize to about 600 square feet of space, which meant they needed to get rid of 80% of their previously used decorations.

“It was 35 years of accumulation of decorations, paint supplies, props, and more that we had to go through and throw away. And this was after last year’s team already had a clean-out. Two large dumpsters later – a cost we were not expecting to incur early on – and finding a new storage home, our budget took a real hit. And now we have to come up with some creative ways to make the event special for the kids,” Wolfe said.

“We need everyone’s help to close the gap in our fundraising efforts to ensure our students have a safe and fun place to celebrate on graduation night,” added Wolfe.

In an effort to help raise funds, approximately 600 letters went out by mail last month to West Hartford business owners and friends of Conard High School asking for their financial support for Conard’s Safe Grad event. Dozens of fundraising events throughout the school year have raised $16,500 to date but still have a long way to go to meet the $50,000 fundraising goal.

A majority of funds come from our fundraising efforts put forth in April and May, with several events coming up, as well as donations from corporate sponsors. Here is a list of their upcoming events and how you can take part in them:

Sunday, April 6: SUNDAY FUNDAY! 2-5 p.m. at New Park Brewery, 480 New Park Ave, West Hartford

• Live auction, which is live now – just click HERE, wine pull, games,cornhole tournament, food and more!
• Tickets can purchased HERE and at the door

Saturday, April 5: Junior/Senior DJ Skate, 8-9:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Rink

• Tickets purchased in advance – $10, tickets purchased at the door – $15
• To purchase in advance, go to Safe Grad Website and click MAKE A DONATION at the top (add note in Venmo/PayPal: DJ Skate)

March 31-April 10: Clothing Drive collection boxes at elementary and middle schools in the Conard district.

Thursday, April 17: Clothing Drive Drop off! noon-5 p.m. at Conard High School, 110 Beechwood Lane. Look for UHaul truck by tennis courts.

April 26 & April 27: Amanda Jennings Mini Photo Sessions at Elizabeth Park, West Hartford, 4:30|5:00|5:30| 6:00|6:30|7:00 Senior Portraits, Maternity, Family, Portraits. Contact Amanda: 860-416-5081 [email protected]

May 1: Comedy Night at Rockledge Grille, doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m., 289 South Main Street, West Hartford. Tickets: $25/ea (add note in Venmo/PayPal: Comedy Night)

May 1: DO GOOD Popcorn Fundraiser

Throughout April & May: Purchase Flocking/Yard Signs to surprise your student. Could be for a birthday, anniversary, new baby, etc! Links are below for each to sign up: (payments for each can be made through our Venmo/PayPal/Zeffy accounts)

• Purchase Safe Grad Lawn Signs ($20/each)
• Flocking Request ($30/each, $50/double flock)

The initial fundraising goal was $46,000 but was increased up to $50,000 to accommodate for the purchasing of decoration items to be reused for future classes.

If you would like donate to Safe Grad 2025, you can do so via Venmo, Paypal, Zeffy or by check. You can also visit the Safe Grad website and click the MAKE A DONATION button at the top. Your donation is tax deductible and could be matched by your employer.

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