Decorations, DJ and venue reservation. The cost of prom grows quickly, considering the numerous expenses involved. To help reduce the ticket prices later in May, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Class of 2023 Officer Board planned a car wash. 

The event took place in the North Lot, the parking spaces closest to the football stadium, on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It was organized and run by senior class officers, football players and other student volunteers.

“The idea of the car wash came from [senior football player] Gabriel Lenamon. He was interested in helping with the fundraiser for the Class of 2023 so he suggested a car wash, since the football team had previously made a great profit from theirs,” Senior Class President Renata Garcia said.

Tickets cost $10 per vehicle and were sold on campus the week leading up to the date; students, parents and community members either paid for their “ticket” up front or in person the day of.

Car wash materials came from MSD’s Spanish Club, who held a car wash earlier this year, and from Senior Class officers themselves. This included soap, towels, hoses and sponges. All volunteers came at 9 a.m. to set up. The car wash not only raised money for prom, but it served as a great memory for the seniors involved.

“My favorite memory from the car wash is when all the volunteers had a soap war. We also shared lots of laughs and giggles as we twirled our car wash signs in hope of convincing some cars to go,” Garcia said.

Over $1,000 was raised, all of which will be put towards prom. With more raised, the cost of the prom ticket will be lower.

“The car wash was great. We made great profit and had a lot of fun,” Senior Class Senator Alya Abufele said. “It’s important [to fundraise] because if we want the best experience for prom, we need a good budget. The more we fundraise, the more exciting our prom will be.”

Throughout the remaining months, the Senior Board will continue hosting fundraisers and events to raise more money; this includes running the snack station at the annual Mr. Douglas pageant hosted by LED Dance Club on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Prom tickets and prices will be released on the e-store in late February to early March; the price is currently undetermined.

Prom will be held on Saturday, May 6, at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Hotel.