Port Washington’s Gambol Puts Other Proms to Shame

Students in their finest dress will get a taste of Hollywood on Friday as they stroll excitedly down a red carpet, big screen and paparazzi included, to attend what is likely the most elaborate senior prom celebration on Long Island.

Actually, Paul D. Schreiber High School’s prom isn’t really a prom. It’s called a Gambol, which means “to frolic," and it’s the end-of-the-year celebration for seniors, courtesy of their parents and the community.

With a budget over $100,000, the Gambol Planning Committee spends all year fundraising to put this elaborate event together.

There’s a red carpet, gambling, photo booths, a dance floor and much more centered around a secret theme that is revealed the day of the event.

Last year’s “Cirque Du Soleil” theme featured live circus performers. This year’s Gambol is expected to be just as exciting, if not better.

Some previous Gambol themes include “A Night in Paris,” “South of the Border,” “An Evening in Venice,” “The Enchanted Sea,” “Casablanca” and “Emerald City.”

The Gambol is a 64-year-old tradition that used to take place in the school’s gymnasium.

The first Gambol came to be thanks to three couples who ran off and got married the night of graduation. The school ultimately decided to hold a party so students didn’t try celebrating in other ways.

The venue for the annual celebration has since been upgraded to Castle Gould at the Sands Point Preserve.

“Castle Gould is huge, cavernous and empty, and we completely transform it,” said Amy Rosenberg, who serves as Gambol Planning Committee co-chair alongside Susan Israel.

Plenty of gamboling is expected to take place Friday night, the day after graduation. Students begin strutting the red carpet at 9 p.m.

An open community viewing will be held from 3-4 p.m. so residents can see how the Gambol Planning Committee will transform Castle Gould. Parking fees will be waived for this event.

Without revealing the theme, Rosenberg told Patch what to expect at this year’s Gambol.

Students will be able to gamble for chips in exchange for prizes. “It’s real gambling, but not real money,” she said.

Students can turn their chips in, which will serve as raffle tickets, for a chance to win prizes worth $100 to $200 at the end of the celebration.

Hundreds of parents and community members chip in each year to make the Gambol possible. They serve food, work security detail and act as gambling dealers.

Fundraisers are held throughout the year to raise more than $100,0000 for the celebration. The committee sold lawn signs congratulating seniors and personalized bricks that were put around a flagpole at Schreiber. “We get a lot of money selling seats to the bleachers on the red carpet,” Rosenberg said.

Money was also raised through cocktail parties, raffles and Gambol ticket sales.

“People are very generous,” Rosenberg said. “A lot of businesses and community members make donations. It’s a community-wide effort.”

Photos courtesy of Ann Rosenberg