Few people have $6,000 in their pockets. Neither does the Fluvanna County Junior Class, which needs at least that amount to plan a successful prom. As a result, the 2016 Prom Committee is looking for students to help with fundraisers and events to raise the money. The committee is trying to get the majority of their money by April, as the dance is scheduled for April 30 in the FCHS cafeteria.

At the beginning of the year they set a goal to raise $6,000. the amount the Prom Committee sponsors Sabrey Garling and Erika Whitten set for them. This money will go towards every aspect of prom, including many behind-the-scenes facets that most people take for granted such as decorations, a DJ, food and drinks, and security. The prom theme this year is going to be “The Great Gatsby” and the committee plans to go all out on decorations.

Those interested in volunteering to be a part of the Junior Class Prom Committee can speak with any of the following people: President Craig Russo, Vice President Lindsay Price, Secretary Colby Deforge, and Treasurer Maddie Garrett. “Raising money for prom is definitely a lot more difficult than I thought it would be, but it’s a lot of fun and I know the hard work will for sure pay off and prom will rock. Lindsay, Colby, and Craig are awesome co-officers and make raising money a lot more enjoyable,” said Garrett.

Prior to this school year, the Junior Class had raised very little money. One reason is that last year as Sophomores they took on a very difficult fundraiser, selling Fluco socks. It was a fundraiser that completely backfired on them. “We did our best planning it out, but the company that we used was not very helpful and kept changing prices and dates with us, which made it very stressful. That also meant that the item was very difficult to sell to students because it was expensive. Therefore, we went into debt. Luckily we didn’t let that get the best of us and are working really hard this year to reach our goal,” said Garrett.

Some members of the prom committee worked the Nick Smith concert on Feb. 22, which raised approximately $200. “The concert was a great way to earn money. It is cool to see the money for prom starting to add up,” said Russo. Another huge event some members of the committee organized was a car wash at the Jefferson Pharmacy on Feb. 27. With many generous donations, they raised around $475. “Everyone came together in the cold and bonded to raise money for our prom. I love doing events like this because I love my friends,” said Deforge.

Even the little things can help, such as the donation boxes the committee set up at the FCHS basketball games. “We still aren’t there quite yet…I will be organizing more events such as car washes and bake sales,” said Price.

The junior class has currently has $2,000, with $4,000 left to raise in a short period of time. They will make over $6,000 just in ticket sales, so if they don’t reach their fundraising goal they have some flexibility to borrow and pay back money after ticket sales. The committee is working on planning more fundraisers, including another car wash (WHERE?) on (WHEN?).