Every spring, the new graduating class kicks back to celebrate their hard work the past 13 years. This year, parent volunteers decided to host a fundraiser to reach their goal of $25,000 for the senior class party, which takes place the night of graduation.

Parent of a senior and volunteer, Julie Yakes, said the event planning started from scratch, which introduced new tactics and ideas for fundraising.

“We didn’t have a lot of information from the previous classes, so we’re really working this year on documenting everything. We’re trying all kinds of ways to raise money. Everything from direct donations, fundraisers at local businesses, the “we love our graduates” signs, as well as selling spirit wear,” Yakes said. “We’ve also done a lot of grant work. Asking other folks in the community so it can be a free event for every senior.”

Senior Anna Mccallon said hosting the fundraiser at Mexico City Cafe was a clever way of fundraising due to the restaurant’s recognition among Park students. 

“I personally love helping and supporting local and small businesses so Mexico City Cafe was a good choice because everyone knows where it is and it’s typically easy for everyone to get to,” Mccallon said. 

Junior volunteer Chiara Collinet said she came across the opportunity to volunteer through the National Honors Society and was interested in it because she had never been to the restaurant. 

“I’m participating in the National Honors Society so I gain volunteer hours from that. It was one of the volunteering opportunities that appealed to me the most because it was so close, it’s in St. Louis Park,” Collinet said. “I’ve always wanted to go to Mexico City Cafe. It’s a really nice local restaurant which is good that it’s being supported as well as the seniors.”

Yakes said she values the importance of each graduating class having a celebration because she saw first hand the joy it brought to her own children.

“My daughter is a sophomore in college now but I helped out at her senior event, and there was just so much joy,” Yakes said. “It’s so important to have something that keeps them safe but still lets them cut loose and just have fun. We hire a hypnotist and a DJ, and they have full access to all the things that happen at Park Tavern.”

Mccallon said she is looking forward to celebrating with her class because it is a fun opportunity to bond with her class before they go their separate ways. 

“This party will be the last time most of us see each other, and it will be a very fun last memory,” Mccallon said. “The parents and staff have worked really hard to have everything free for everyone, which is really cool.”

According to Collinet, it’s crucial for students to volunteer for these local fundraising events because a lot of effort is put into planning and being local makes it beneficial for everyone.

“It’s important to volunteer because people don’t realize how much work goes into planning and executing parties and events for school,” Collinet said. “Otherwise the school isn’t going to get the money for that, so local fundraising is a nice way of doing that.”

For more information and updates about fundraising opportunities and the senior party, join the Facebook group – ‘SLP Class of 2023 Senior Party’ as well as follow slpseniorparty23 on Instagram.