More help sought for graduation party

So far, about 40 parents are working to make sure Kalispell’s all-night high school graduation party becomes a reality.

But the party planners need more help from other parents and the community to make sure the annual celebration is a success.

Crosstown Craze, which starts at 9 p.m. June 4 and lasts until 5 a.m. the next day, is a party for graduates of Flathead and Glacier high schools, Laser School and Bridge Academy. The party has existed in some form for the last four decades.

It takes place this year at The Summit; students have access to the health club’s amenities as well as laser tag, remote-control car racing, sumo wrestling, a shooting range, a casino room and other games. Food is provided throughout the evening, and, ideally, each student leaves the party with a prize donated by a local business.

The event is available to the more than 550 seniors expected to graduate this spring, and such a large party requires a hefty volunteer effort.

During a recent meeting, party planners outlined specific needs:

• Planners are urging parents and students to buy tickets now so those putting the party together have money to work with. Tickets are available at the Flathead and Glacier high school offices and on the event’s website, www.crosstowncraze.com.

Tickets will be $25 each until May 13. After that, the price increases to $30.

• Planners also welcome cash donations, which may be made online or mailed to 955 Columbia Falls Stage Road, Kalispell, MT 59901.

The Summit is providing another way to financially support the party. The club is offering 30-day memberships for $30, half of which will go directly to the Crosstown Craze. Anyone 18 and older may purchase a pass. The memberships must be purchased by May 27 and redeemed by July 31. For further information, contact Tricia King at tnt@bresnan.net or 270-1565.

• Volunteers are needed throughout the party, even if a parent only has an hour or two to give that night.

Fifteen Glacier parents are needed for the setup committee, which will start prepping The Summit at 5 p.m. June 4 when the gym closes its regular business hours. Six parents are needed to put tarps down on the tennis courts. Setup must be complete by 9 p.m. when students arrive. Wendy Carlson is the chairwoman.

Fifteen Flathead parents are needed for the take-down committee, which will meet at 4:30 a.m. June 5. Cleanup must be completed by 6 a.m. Shelley Peters Draper is the chairwoman.

Chaperones and other volunteers are needed throughout the evening to help with games and food and keep an eye on The Summit. Shifts run from 8:30 p.m. to midnight, from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. and from 2:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. Jeanne Carlson and Dana Fraley are the chairwomen.

Kathy Kusler and Denise Shuman are chairwomen of the prize committee. They will need help collecting donations before the event and distributing prizes June 4.

Dennice Hamman and Holiday Madich, chairwomen of the food committee, could use helper to work shifts serving food at the party.

Parents may visit the Crosstown Craze website or email Colleen Stevens at qstevens@centurytel.net to choose their shift preference.