Project Graduation ‘Bling for the Bash’

On Dec. 7, 2012, Parkway North will be hosting the Bling for the Bash jewelry sale in the commons to raise money for Project Graduation by selling used and donated jewelry.  There is a special preview sale from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the event with an admission price of two dollars.  The sale then opens to the general public at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. with no admission charge.

“We have both new and gently used jewelry.  The collection includes necklaces, earrings (both clip and pierced), bracelets, ankle bracelets, choker necklaces, a few rings, a few watches, hair bands, holiday jewelry, etcetera,” said event coordinator Sandy Sortraidis.

Jewelry donations have been collected since September and have come from parents, students, faculty members and anyone else willing to donate their new or gently used jewelry. 

“To donate jewelry, we would like contributors to place each jewelry item in a separate Ziploc bag and bring their donations to the Bookstore at North,” said Sortraidis.  “There is a box in the Bookstore labeled, ‘Bling for the Bash’.  I stop by occasionally to pick up donated items.”

Since all of the jewelry consists of donations, prices may range from inexpensive used pieces to more expensive new pieces.

“Many of our items are $10 or less and our most expensive item is $100.00.  We have many necklaces, bracelets, and earrings priced from one dollar to five dollars,” said Sortraidis.

The main purpose of the jewelry sale is to raise money for Project Graduation.  The money will help fund the Senior Bash, which is a drug and alcohol free graduation party for the Class of 2013.

“We did not have a specific goal, but the Project Graduation group needs to raise a lot of money to have a nice party.  We will probably use the money to pay for some of the expenses and extras like prizes,” explained Sortraidis.

Anyone is welcome to donate to the jewelry sale, but a majority of the donations came from students and parents.

“I donated some of my old jewelry that I don’t wear anymore, and my mom did too,” said senior Paige Benten.  “I heard there’s a lot of jewelry that’s going to be up for sale, and that it ranges from every day wear to even costume jewelry.”

Additionally, two representatives from Romantique Jewelers will be available to replace watch batteries at the sale.

As the holiday season nears, the sale hopes to bring in customers who are looking to buy jewelry that will make great gifts. 

“We hope this event will become a tradition at Parkway North and that support from the North High community will grow each year,” Sortraidis said.

by Emily Ladig