PEA RIDGE — A casino is coming to town, but no money will change hands.

Blackjack and Roulette tables will be featured at the After Prom event for Pea Ridge High School May 1.

Providing fun and a safe place, parents of Pea Ridge High School students have been working all year raising money and getting donations of products to be sure every junior and senior who attends leaves with a gift.

“Some of us wanted to provide a safe environment and a good time for the students. We didn’t want to have a lot of fundraisers.

We wanted to get as much product as possible donated,” Debra Connell, chairman of the After Prom committee, said.

The group had one fundraiser, selling gifts on Valentine’s Day.

That raised $1,500.

Local businesses, the banks andthe Pea Ridge Optimist Club donated money and products.

“We have half of the money for the blow-ups,” Connell said, adding that the Optimist Club is sponsoring a pancake breakfast Saturday, April 17, to raise more money for the event.

“I’m all about community involvement,” Connell said.

Other activities planned include a rock climbing wall, karaoke, a game room and inflatables.

Breakfast will be served at 4 a.m.

Connell said students must pre-register and may register in the school office until April 28..

When students arrive at the event after prom, they receive an armband and provide their name, their parents’ names and a phone number. She said if anyone leaves before the event is over, the parents are called.

No one is allowed to leave breakfast, 4 a.m.

Prizes include laptops, iPods, coolers, tents, rugs, laundry baskets, tool kits, back to school items and gift cards.

Other committee members include Lisa Abraham, Debbie Hirsch, Candee Ramsey, Katie Rhine, Lori Littrell, Dorcas Duvall, Kerri Smith, Chelle Tillman and Rhonda Baker.

Prom and After-Prom are May 1.

News, Pages 1 on 04/14/2010