Balboa Boo Bash!

Hello Halloween lovers!

After a few rough years, I'm trying to bring back our high school Halloween party. I've always loved Halloween, and my time at UCSB really took my appreciation for everything Halloween to a new level.

A few years ago (pre-pandemic) I raised money to hold a Halloween party for my students, complete with costume contests and prizes. 75% of the students who attend my high school are from low-income families. They often do not have money to pay for extras (sports uniforms, band equip, etc) and the school does not have enough money for Halloween parties.

When I raised money the first time for this party I really didn't know what to expect on the actual day. To say it was a success would be an understatement. I wish I could describe the joy we all felt watching the students have so much fun on that day. They laughed, screamed when they won prizes, and argued about whose costume was the best. For the next couple of years they BEGGED me to have another party, but something big always seemed to get in the way of me being able to put it together.

Now that we can go back to big group gatherings I'd love to throw them another party and really get them excited about Halloween again. They may not be out trick-or-treating, but everyone deserves to feel like a kid again on October 31st!

So, where will all this money go? Before I give the breakdown, let me say that not a single penny will go to me. Every bit of money raised will go straight to the kids and the division of funds will look like this:

$750 = prizes for best costumes, random prizes and gift cards to students in costume

$200 = snacks, juices, cups, etc

$200 = to buy costume pieces/makeup for students who can't afford it

$ 50 = best teacher costume**

** The teacher contest will only happen if donors are okay with it. If even one donor is uncomfortable with teachers competing in their own contest for part of the donated money I will remove that part of the competition and move the money to the student prizes. I will not be a part of the teacher contest, because we all know I'd win and I'd like to give everyone else a chance (ha!)

Thank you so much to everyone who might be able to help us out! My students and I are really looking forward to this party!