Help *desperately* needed!  It's true that we're having trouble raising money during these troubled economic times, but we're also having trouble finding volunteers.  We're burning out some our volunteers because they 're doing too much.  Many hands make light work.  Would you please read a little more and see if there is anything you would be willing to help with?  Plenty of small jobs, plenty of one day (or night) jobs.

Committees need help now with the "construction". They're in the process of coming up with their ideas and plotting out what they will need to do.  For the not so artistically inclined, there are "paint-by-number" jobs.  For the artistically inclined, you can use your skill to get design ideas onto paper/poster/wood/etc.  Some work can be done at home (cutting out, pasting, etc.).  Some work is done at Brookline School, our staging area. (Again, you don't have to have skill, just be able to follow directions.)  Even if you come for an hour or two here or there!  We'll need people to help put it all together on the day of the BLAST. Community members and Freshman, Sophomore and Junior parents especially would be great -- it would enable the Senior parents to have some time to get home, take photos, etc.

Committees
Front Entrance Committee: We design the Entrance to the school as well as the front lobby. It is the first thing the kids see when they arrive at school. Last year we constructed Hogwart’s Castle – Harry Potter’s school. We usually meet evenings and Saturday mornings. We do a lot of painting – you don’t need to be artistic – we guide you along the way! Even if you can only come for an hour or so, we could use your help!

Hallways & Bathrooms: Yes, we really do decorate the bathrooms! We do a lot of painting and gluing and cutting out of things. We usually meet on Tuesday evenings although there are projects you can do at home if that works well with your schedule.

Front Bathrooms: You would not believe you are in a bathroom!!! There’s lots of painting by numbers, cutting out designs and gluing. Some things we do at school and some things can be done at home – we give great directions!!

Coffee House: We have some great ideas and could use your help making them a reality! Like the other committees we have lots of painting, cutting out and gluing to be done. We’re flexible, help us out at school or take things home….we’re easy!

Crash Room: We’re very laid back – our area consists mostly of carpets and cushions on the floor so the kids can relax, watch TV or just nap. We do some painting, cutting out and gluing at school and at home.

Prize Committee: We solicit donations and also do some shopping. We provide the prizes the kids “shop” for during the BLAST. We ask local businesses to donate everything from gift cards to cash, key chains to photo albums. Shop ‘til you drop!

Casino: THE most popular place at the BLAST. The kids spend the night gambling for “money” to spend at the prize table. We have lots of painting, cutting out and gluing to be done. No experience necessary, be prepared to meet great people and have some fun or work at home listening to your iPod. It’s all good!

Fortunetellers: Real fortunetellers take their place under decorated tents, surrounded by “walls” that we paint to create an aura of mystery! Painting, gluing & cutting out designs – easy stuff!

Gym Cafe Committee: we design the dining area where the Food Committee feeds the students throughout the BLAST. For those who attended the Walk Through last year, our group did the "Titanic". We meet weekly at the Brookline School on Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm. Weekly attendance is not required. Presently, we are repairing and rebuilding the walls we plan to use for this year's theme. The next phase will be creating the design - lots of hand painting (like painting by numbers). Finally, setting up the area on 5/13 p.m. and 5/14 after Early Dismissal. No experience necessary - just a great sense of humor and willingness to work with some awesome volunteers!

Balloon Committee: Have fun creating balloon trees, bouquets and arches on the day of the prom -- from 4pm untill 9pm, just an hour or two will help! Contact Maria Smith at marias@hhsptsa.org

Setup on the day of the BLAST (May 14, 2010) is from 11:30am until whenever we finish.  It's a crazy, fun and adrenaline-pumping day. It's quite amazing to see it all come to life!  See the photo gallery below for a taste -- pay special attention to the scale (sheer size)!

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer (please, please please!), contact Judy & John Donnelly (Chairs) at judyd@hhsptsa.org or Jenn & John McNicholos (Co-chairs) at jennm@hhsptsa.org.   [To contact both, use blast@hhsptsa.org.]