Family and friends of West Hartford’s Conard High School are invited to a fun and casual party, complete with live music for dancing, to support the Class of 2016 Safe Grad celebration.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford’s public high schools have been hosting substance-free, all night parties following graduation for the past several years, and the parents of Conard High School’s Class of 2016 are holding their own party to help raise funds for their children’s celebration.

Parents’ Night Out, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, from 7 – 11 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium, is a fun and casual evening for adults to get together with great food and live music made for dancing courtesy of popular local band Lonesome Eddie and the Bird Dogs.

“The event is not just for parents of members of the Class of 2016,” said event co-chair Linda Blechman Busch. “Parents of Conard students in other grades, parents of alumni, and anyone else in the community who would like to provide support are encouraged to attend,” she said.

Staying up all night has been an expected part of graduation celebrations for decades, and Safe Grad provides that opportunity in a safe and substance-free environment. At both and Hall in West Hartford, Safe Grad parties allow graduates to enjoy their milestone, with the hope of avoiding tragedy that has often marked graduation celebrations in the past.

The parties, which are free for graduates, typically include lavish decorations, highly-valued prizes, and entertainment options for all interests. Although much of the food and many items are donated by local businesses, a significant amount of fundraising is also required.

At the Jan. 23 Parents’ Night Out, arriving guests will be serenaded by Conard’s award-winning a capella group, BeS#arp. Lonesome Eddie and the Bird Dogs will also perform live and are certain to fill the dance floor.

The evening will also feature heavy hors d’ouevres and desserts, raffles, games to win prizes from local establishments, and for parents of soon-to-be graduates – a chance to secure a coveted prime parking spot for the ceremony. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided but BYOB is acceptable.

Advance tickets are only $20 each, and are available in the Conard High School office or by sending a check payable to Conard Safe Grad to Julie Simplicio, 17 Walton Dr., West Hartford, CT 06107. Please provide your email address and a phone number along with your check because tickets will not be mailed.

Any remaining available tickets will be sold at the door for $30 per person.

Look for announcements of future fundraisers for both Conard and Hall Safe Grad celebrations between now and June.

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