MARYSVILLE — Of the 22 attendees of the March 1 fundraiser for the Marysville-Pilchuck High School Class of 2013, 12 sat down for rounds of Texas Hold ‘Em while 10 played Bunco, but between them, they raised an estimated $850 at the Marysville American Legion Post 178 Hall.

“This was pretty comparable to our prior Texas Hold ‘Em and Bunco tournament,” said Kris Hanson, one of the event’s coordinators. “Still, our most profitable fundraiser was manning a concession stand at the Seahawks game this past fall. We raised more than $2,000 in one Sunday. Another really fun fundraiser we’re doing on an ongoing basis is our ‘Flamingo Fundraiser,’ so the community should beware, lest they find their front yards ‘flocked’ with pink flamingos.”

Hanson explained that donations to the M-PHS Class of 2013 would result in the flamingos being removed from those yards, and allow those yard-owners to suggest the next person’s yard to get “flocked.”

The parent volunteers behind these fundraisers aim to cover the costs of not only the after-graduation party, but also transportation to and from the graduation night party.

“The senior parents are partnering with Grad Nights to create a unique, fun and safe experience for our graduates, to celebrate past achievements with their classmates while they look forward to the future,” Hanson said. “Two venues are chosen, that are kept secret until the graduates arrive at their destinations, and each destination provides entertainment, lots of food and fun. Our goal is that every senior have the opportunity to attend, so the money we raise beyond the actual costs of these events will be used to provide scholarships.”

Hanson invited the community to participate in the parents’ fundraising events, as a means of congratulating this year’s seniors on their academic achievements.  The cost to attend the after-graduation party is $100 per senior, and donations may be mailed to:

Grad Nights

P.O. Box 1202

Marysville, WA 98270

“Any member of our community, including local businesses, are encouraged to donate money, so that all M-PHS seniors can participate in this last celebration for the Class of 2013,” Hanson said. “Thank you to all the senior parents and other volunteers for all the hard work you’ve already contributed, and for those who want to get involved, come to our next meeting March 20 at 6 p.m. in the M-PHS library.”

To learn more, log onto www.gradnights.com/o/marysvillepilchuck/parents.