Volunteers, Sponsors Help Keep Prom-Goers Safe All Night

The Marlborough High School senior All Nighter is this weekend, and volunteer organizers have been busy creating a glittery after-prom event for MHS soon-to-be graduates.

Following Friday night’s prom, seniors and their dates will climb onto a Marlborough Public Schools school bus one last time for the short trip to the , where they will be greeted like royalty and treated to games, food and fun until the wee hours of Saturday morning.

All-Nighters will be able to try their hand at such contests and games as Trivial Pursuit, limbo, tug-of-war and Twister. They can take a swim or play some racquetball, and then munch on refreshing fruit cups and scrumptious desserts. They can be dazzled by a hypnotist or get a temporary “tat” from an airbrush tattoo artist.

A highlight of the evening will be the Senior Slideshow, comprised of donated photos of the graduates throughout their years. The slideshow is available for purchase after the event.

In addition to all these activities, organizers say they will be handing out some pretty significant raffle and game spoils that include $100 and $50 prizes, Red Sox Tickets, and gift certificates and items donated by Marlborough businesses.

The senior All Nighter is in its 27th year, a significant milestone for an event that relies solely on volunteers. The party began years ago as a safe alternative to private after-prom parties and the possibility of drinking and driving and other destructive activities. With the dedication of its volunteers, the event has evolved into a must-attend senior activity.

“I heard about the event three years ago, when my oldest was a senior,” said 2012 committee chair Debbie Munley. “Once I found out about how such an event is put together, I had to get involved. Knowing that my child, as well as the rest of the students who choose to attend, were not out scouting house parties or driving to the Cape after the prom was more than reassuring. Knowing that what was a small group of parents 27 years ago is still an annual tradition – all done to avoid what could be a very tragic evening – was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I wanted to help.”

This year’s volunteer list is long – more than 100 names populate the contact sheet – and the work starts long before prom dress shopping begins. Volunteers raise the money, design and install the decorations, solicit prizes, coordinate food, serve as paparazzi, provide security, and clean up after the event.

Volunteer-sponsored and community-supported fund-raisers such as the April 28 Spring Fling at the Masonic Hall, the coupon donation special at Stevie’s, and the May 3 Jenny of Boston sale help fund and raise community awareness of the event.

“Back in October, a small group of parents got together and had a vision of what we could do for the theme this year,” Munley said. “Now, just a few days away, the vision is a reality and this couldn’t have been done without our tremendous group of volunteers. Everything about the All Nighter is done through the most dedicated parents and volunteers. It involves the businesses in the community – from the largest corporate donations to the Mom-and-Pop stores, from a $20.12 donation from a family to headphones from Bose, from donated buses to all of the food we provide.”

Parents whose children have long since graduated still volunteer for the event, Munley said. She also acknowledged Darren McLaughlin’s generosity for the use of Wayside, the teachers for supporting the effort, and the “late night” volunteers, especially those who stay up all night and man the tables and booths as well as those who get up at 5 a.m. to help clean it all up. 

The generosity of goods, money, time and spirit is much appreciated, said MHS Guidance Counselor Sharon Buckley, the staff liaison to the event.

“It’s the efforts of so many in our community that make this event possible,” she said. “We thank the hard work and commitment of so many doing something so good for our students.”

To view snapshots of previous All-Nighters and to learn how you can support the event, see http://www.mhsallnighter.org. And, be sure to watch for this year’s photos once the party of the year takes place!