News Items - Greater Marion Area Chamber of Commerce
Jamie Gott designs winning Grad Spree logo
Jamie Gott, a junior at Marion High School, designed the logo for the 2018 Grad Spree event. Art students at Marion High School were invited to submit designs for the 2018 Grad Spree logo. The Marion Chamber Grad Spree Committee chose a winner out of all of the submissions. Jamie was the winner and received $75 from the Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation.



Jamie Gott, a junior at Marion High School, designed the logo for the 2018 Grad Spree event. Art students at Marion High School were invited to submit designs for the 2018 Grad Spree logo. The Marion Chamber Grad Spree Committee chose a winner out of all of the submissions. Jamie was the winner and received $75 from the Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation sponsors Grad Spree, which was started more than 30 years ago to help insure that graduation is the beginning of a new life, not the end of one.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation provides a night of fun-filled activities at the SIU Rec Center, following graduation ceremonies on May 17. This year, we have many exciting things planned for our graduates. Brian Madrid, a world class hypnotist, will provide a hypnosis show for the seniors. During the show, the volunteers will become the stars of the show with hilarious moments and inspire every person to live life to the fullest. Brian’s past clients include Toyota, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruise Line, Riviera Maya Resorts and Visionary Wealth Advisory.

Also performing during Grad Spree is Raquel, a Nashville, Tenn. based singer and songwriter. Raquel can be found on Facebook: @RRaquelOfficial and on YouTube: bit.ly/RaquelOfficial.

Also, while at the SIU Rec Center, the graduates can participate in: swimming; rock climbing; dodge ball tournament; volleyball tournament; a game room; food (from Say Cheese and La Rana Grill food trucks), drinks and snacks; and much more! All of this is provided to each Marion High School graduate free-of-charge.

The cost to provide this event last year was approximately $12,000 with the average cost being about $130 per student. Marion Grad Spree would not be possible without the help of our Chamber and community members. We are writing to you today to request donations of funds to help cover the cost of the event and door prize items to giveaway to seniors throughout the night.

For businesses and individuals, we have the following sponsorship levels available: Silver-$250, Gold-$500, and Platinum-$1000+. Of course, any amount is appreciated. We will honor our Gold & Platinum Sponsors by including their name and link to their Web site in Grad Spree promotional materials, on our website, newsletter and email blasts. A donation statement for your taxes is available upon request.

Also, please consider volunteering to chaperone during this year’s Grad Spree. Last year, more than 30 people volunteered to chaperone this annual event. We anticipate needing at least 30 chaperones again this year. Any time you can volunteer will help make this a memorable night for the seniors. Grad Spree will be held from 10:30 p.m. until 4 a.m. on May 17 at the SIU Rec Center. Chaperons are needed from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Individuals may sign up to supervise the graduates all night (9 p.m. report to Rent One ballpark, 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. at the SIU Rec Center, 4-4:30 a.m. on bus to Rent One ballpark), during signup (9-10:30 p.m. at Rent One ballpark), or at SIU Rec Center only (9 p.m. - 4 a.m). To sign up to volunteer, call the Chamber at 997-6311 or e-mail the Chamber at director@marionillinois.com.

All seniors who register by May 1 are guaranteed a Grad Spree gift. The FINAL DEADLINE for seniors to register for Grad Spree is May 16 by 2 p.m. If a graduate must leave early, a written notice must be turned in to the Marion Chamber of Commerce office prior to May 11 and include the time they will be leaving and the name of the parent or legal guardian who will be picking up the student. We are not responsible if the student signs up and does not attend. For graduating seniors in need of a registration form to attend Grad Spree, visit marionillinois.com.

Below are some rules for Grad Spree:
  1. Only graduating seniors may attend Grad Spree. No guests.
  2. You must sign up in advance. The last day to register is May 16 by 2 p.m. at the Marion Chamber.
  3. ALL information on the form (back and front) must be filled out.
  4. This is a drug-free and alcohol-free event.
  5. All cars are to be parked at Rent One Park parking lot. You must ride the buses provided to all Grad Spree activities in order to be admitted. NO FOOD OR DRINKS ALLOWED ON THE BUSES. First bus leaves at 10 p.m. and the last bus leaves at 10:30 p.m.
  6. You will be given a bag to hold your personal items upon entering the registration area. You will not be allowed to use your own bag. You do not need to bring any money. All activities and food are FREE for the entire night. You are encouraged to bring a swimsuit and towel to swim in the SIU Rec Center pool.
  7. If for any reason you must leave early that night, your parent must personally bring a written note to the Chamber Office no later than 4 p.m. on May 11 and be the person who will pick you up. Only your parents will be allowed to pick you up.
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Grad Spree Committee is proud to offer this event to our graduating seniors. We have kept our seniors safe for more than 30 years.
 

Published: 04/03/18