The Marion Chamber of Commerce Grad Spree Committee held a preview show for the Marion High School seniors on Friday, April 13 at the Marion High School auditorium. The preview included a presentation by Marion Chamber Grad Spree Committee Chair Matt Carnaghi and a hypnosis performance by Brian Madrid, a world class hypnotist.

















Brian will also perform a full show during the 2018 Friends For Life Graduation Spree on Thursday, May 17 at the SIU Rec Center. 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, fill out the following form (or download here), call the Chamber at 997-6311 or e-mail the Chamber at director@marionillinois.com.
 
Thank you for your support of the 2018 Grad Spree event! Help us spread the word about this great event by:

• Sharing our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/179445646195617/
• Displaying one of the Grad Spree posters at your business:
  • Grad Spree poster 1
  • Grad Spree poster 2
  • Grad Spree poster 3
• Encourage your employees, friends and clients to help support Grad Spree as well!
  • Post a message to your social media channels or send an email encouraging others to help support this event! Try using this sample, social media-friendly post:
    • I support the 2018 Grad Spree event! You can too! Learn how YOU can help by visiting http://bit.ly/2018GradSpree
• Display your support of the 2018 Grad Spree event on the marquee/sign at your business.
  • Here is the official 2018 Grad Spree logo designed by Jamie Gott, a Marion High School art student.