Although it’s not until June 8, Haliburton Highlands Secondary School’s prom committee – as well as the folks at Make Dreams Come True, who have been outfitting grads for 10 years – are preparing for this year’s event.
High school teacher Justin Collins said the Grade 12 students who volunteered for this year’s prom committee last September, have a mission.
“Their job is to plan, and fundraise for, prom because prom is a big event, and an expensive event. Our goal every year, since I’ve been here, is to plan for prom tickets to be as cheap as possible,” Collins said.
“I never want a student to not be able to attend prom because of financial reasons. Our goal is to always create the best possible event for the cheapest price possible, so fundraising is our second big thing.”
This year’s prom will again be held at the Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre. But what’s new for 2024 is the school is planning a silent auction on Facebook that will run April 25-28 to raise money.
“We were thinking about all the different ways we could fundraise,” Collins said. “We thought, we have a lot of really amazing businesses in the County, and maybe there’s a way to do something that’s mutually beneficial, for the school and the businesses. So, we’ve reached out to some companies, and people have been very generous with donations.”
Collins said a number have already donated, but they are accepting more items. Meanwhile, the committee will continue to hammer out details, such as the theme of this year’s gathering.
“If you have donated, thank you, we love your generosity, we appreciate you. If you have not, there is still time, even when the silent auction has started,” the teacher said. “Let’s get back to having a real prom that celebrates our kids.”
He said the price was $30 a ticket last year, compared to $60-$70 at other schools.
To donate, contact Collins via email at the school: justin. collins@tldsb.on.ca – you can also donate via Jennifer Jackson-Korpela at 705-457-2950 ext. 34000.
For more, go to Haliburton Buy and Sale on Facebook and look for HHSS Prom – Silent Auction Fundraiser.
Make Dreams Come True
Jenn Abbott is into her 11th year of collecting dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry, purses and other items and services to help grads find the perfect look – for free.
Abbott has it down to a science. She continues to run it as she did during COVID. So, instead of going to a popup to try on clothes and accessories, students contact her (via Facebook, email or cell phone) with dress or suit ideas, size and colour. She then goes through her inventory. Arrangements are made to have a few dresses or suits picked up, and tried on, at home. If they don’t work, they come back. If there is a match, Abbott then adds footwear and other accessories. She makes up a gift bag from generous community donations.
She noted she receives items and services from local drug stores, retail outlets, local barbers, nail salons, and a local photographer.
It’s a labour of love for the woman who did not attend her own prom because her family could not afford it.
“Living here, it’s very much needed because it’s hard for people, especially now with the cost of living, to be able to send their child to prom. Without the community, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. It brings me joy to be able to do this for the local grads.
“It’s time they acknowledge all their hard work and their dedication to finishing school. A lot of kids don’t. They drop out and get into the wrong crowd. Kids should be applauded and acknowledged and have their day feel extra special, and that’s why I keep doing what I do.”
Contact Abbott via The Make Dreams Come True Facebook page, email jen_jen_25@hotmail.com or call or text 705286-0906.
