TRAVERSE CITY — Real- time, hands-on, one-stop shopping will be available for graduating seniors on Saturday.
A committee of the Traverse City Class of 2012 Graduation Party is holding a TC West Graduation Expo and inviting 2012 (and 2013) graduates and their parents to attend. The Expo will feature up to 75 graduation-related vendors at West Senior High.
The event will allow parents and their seniors to meet and greet photographers, caterers, bakers, formal-wear providers and others.
"Both the student and parent can come, it's great quality time for them," said Cathi Hornbogen, chair of the 2012 Graduation Party, which is the beneficiary of the Expo.
The annual Graduation Party is hosted by parents of seniors to provide a safe yet fun place for seniors to celebrate their milestone. It is a popular event among West Senior High students: Last year's all-night event drew about 75 percent of the graduating class, Hornbogen said.
The Expo is open to students and parents from any school in the region. Organizers hope many will come and benefit from the event.
"The more the merrier, the more people we can help out the better," said Hornbogen.
Graduation Expo encourages students to help plan the myriad festivities related to graduation, from photos to prom to parties. The event will also feature seminars to help young adults with the transition to greater independence, such as a workshop by a bank on checking accounts and savings accounts.
"Seniors have an opportunity to have a say; not just mom and dad making all the decisions," said Andrea Saunby, head of marketing for the TC West Graduation Expo. "This is not just a parent thing, it's for both."
The idea for the expo flashed into Hornbogen's mind during a discussion with Mike Drilling of Windborne Studios. Hornbogen had already been searching for a better way to manage graduation after watching a friend struggle through the stress of the season, nearly buried by decisions and details.
Hornbogen thought of the popular bridal expos and their one-stop shopping paradigm. She presented the Graduation Expo idea as a fundraiser and it received quick approval from the Graduation Party leadership.
Who could say no to raising money while also both saving parental sanity and including students in decisions?
"Our quest is to raise money for this party and to raise it in a unique and creative way," said Hornbogen, who hopes the TC West Graduation Expo becomes an annual outreach and fundraising tradition for years to come. "And to give access to parents and families to all these businesses in one location."
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