The Safe Grad Committee for West Hartford’s Conard High School has introduced new flocks of red flamingos this year, and funds raised by sending a flock will support the annual substance-free post graduation party.

Two flocks of Conard red flamingos grace this West Hartford lawn. Courtesy photo

Submitted

It’s flocking season, and time to spruce up the lawn with the bright color of RED.

This is a great time to deliver a whimsical birthday surprise on the lawn of a friend, congratulate a soon-to-be graduate, welcome the arrival of a new baby, send a dynamic message to your neighbors, or note any other event worthy of celebration and cheer.

One easy phone call or email is all it takes to ensure that 12 bright red flamingos will be planted on whatever lawn you choose. The artificial flock mysteriously appears overnight to surprise your designated recipient. For a simple $25 donation to the Conard High School Safegrad fund, your flock takes flight.  After a two day visit, the flock takes off on its journey to perk up another lawn.

Flocking graduates, neighbors, grandparents ,and friends is a contagious tradition started many years ago as a fundraiser for the Safegrad celebration at Conard High School. Parents of senior students set up the flamingos at night to greet an unsuspecting recipient. The sender can attach a message or remain anonymous, adding to the fun as the happy friend guesses who might have sent the special delivery.

Anyone can send a flock to anyone in West Hartford. Originally the flocks were sent to graduating seniors from the high school, but the more the flocks were sighted around town, the faster the requests flew in to flock family, friends, new neighbors, and colleagues. Flocking, as the custom is known, is not only a unique surprise, but the sender has the satisfaction of knowing he or she has helped a good cause.

Safegrad is a substance-free party held in each of West Hartford’s high schools on graduation night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.  The parties are funded completely through donations. Parents started organizing volunteers in September and work through graduation day to plan, decorate and chaperone the event. More than 365 seniors in the Conard Class of 2018 will attend free of charge – and will enjoy a night celebrating their milestone filled with entertainment, food, dancing, crafts, and games.

Flocking is one of their many fundraisers this year, in addition to events at Moe’s, Rizzuto’s, and other establishments around town.

To send your flock merrily on its way to one or to several graduates, friends, or neighbors, contact Conard parent Cyndi Brown at 860-561-5049 or [email protected].

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!