Finishing up

As my time working on my senior project is coming to an end, I'm realizing how many lives my project effected and hopefully it will be the beginning of a tradition!  I'm not sure how I feel about going back to school for 5 periods a day.  As a compile my presentation, I'm also realizing how much work I really put into it.  It didn't feel like that much since I had a month (and a few days) to work on it and get it ready, but it really was a lot!  I loved my project and am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with FOCUS!

Curiosity

A ton of people have been asking me questions about my project.  Apparently it's been getting around, mothers who had kids at the dance have thanked me, and people are overall intrigued.  People want to help and make sure another one gets put on next year.  I'm not sure why it's attracted to much attention, maybe because it's so different then the "normal" senior project.  Or maybe people just really want to help with it next year and thought it was a great idea. 

Never Can Say Goodbye

Today was my last day in the office with FOCUS, and I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with them.  They were a truly amazing group of people and I hope someone takes on this tasks next year.  Now I just have to finish making my video- which is going to take a while. 

Winding down

The gala is over but I've gotten amazing feedback!!! Mrs. Alig messaged me and so did Mr. Peebles.  Besides their message Rev came up and said this was one of the better projects he's seen.  Lots of people have said they heard great things about the gala and wish they could have come, Elizabeth seems to be thrilled with the event as well!  I'm so happy everyone loved it as much as I did and I will try to create a brief incase someone wants to do this next year so they can have an idea of what I did!

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Today was the big day.  I got all my last needed supplies and was at Lovett around 3.  Luckily, two of my friends came over to Lovett to help set up and they were a big help.  It took about 20 minutes to get into the art room, the lovely security man was in the middle of his job when I called.  We got our poster up, and all the decorations.  Food was set up to the T, water and lemonade were ready (with the help of Mrs. Alig's lemon peeling skills), backdrop was ready.  Everyone was ready to go.  It started to pour around 5:45 but luckily it stopped right around 6.  At 5:45 all the volunteers came and were briefed on their jobs for the night and how to deal with special needs children.  Around 6:45 the attendees started to arrive.  Everyone was so excited for the night.  The night went smoothly- even though I had trouble with my camera to record, luckily Cleo was there with her camera.  The response was great the volunteers loved it and the attendants loved it.  Everyone danced away.  There were circles of kids holding hands dancing, and we had a congo line.  It was awesome seeing everyone come together and put away their differences.  All of the volunteers were amazing and did so well with the adults, and I don't think anyone wanted it to end ( although we sure were sweaty and our feet were starting to hurt).  It took about 30 minutes to put all the stuff up once it was over, thanks to the boys for their heavy lifting.  Overall it was a great night! 

A day away

I've had some last minute cancellations, and not all the material we got was correct but overall it should be an awesome night tomorrow!!! We're getting the things in place and hopefully it won't take too long to set up.  Tomorrow there will be a few last minute things I'll have to do (pick-up chick-fil-a, get balloons, make the strawberries) but I can't wait! 

Closing in

I think we have more than enough volunteers now because Brian messaged me saying I didn't need to recruit anyone else, which I'm thrilled about!  As well after buying all the things there's really not much to do except collect a few more things, and set up.  I have a big day ahead of me tomorrow and Saturday.  All the volunteers seem excited too, it should be a great night!

Here's a picture of something I created to send to all the volunteers!