NEWBURYPORT — Get the dresses and suit jackets ready. The Beacon Coalition is hosting a "Family Prom."
Sarah Hayden, the prevention project director for the coalition, said this is the first year for this event. A key part of the evening will be the distribution of the "Beacon Awards," which are meant to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations in the city that have worked to build youth assets.
"I know it's going to be a fun event," Hayden said yesterday.
The prom — where guests will dress in semi-formal attire — will be held on May 2 in the City Hall auditorium from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be a DJ, activities for children, and a photographer will be on hand to capture family portraits.
The prom marks the end of a month-long campaign by the Beacon Coalition during April's "Alcohol Awareness Month," which is focused on raising awareness about substance abuse and underage drinking. On Wednesday, April 28, the coalition will also host a Virtual Town Hall Meeting on underage drinking, with a corresponding Reach Out/Teach-In at the Molin Upper Elementary School on April 29.
The weekend of May 1-3 is designated as an alcohol-free weekend. Newburyport students are now in the process of designing buttons to hand out for citizens to wear that weekend, proclaiming that they are alcohol free, sending a message that celebrations can occur without alcohol.
Hayden said the Youth Services Department and Beacon Coalition members are reaching out to local restaurants, in hopes of organizing a "Taste of Newburyport" for the prom, which will also showcase the local eateries.
The organization is also considering planning a "bartending competition" for the night, asking local bartenders to create a special non-alcoholic drink. The best will be selected by a vote in hopes that it will become a Beacon Coalition signature beverage, served at the restaurants that participated, in the week following the prom, Hayden said.
Nominations for the Beacon Awards are being accepted in the Youth Services Department at City Hall until today. Nominations can be e-mailed to Hayden at shayden@cityofnewburyport.com or she can be contacted at 978-463-8977.
Tickets for the prom will be $25 per family, or $10 for an individual. For more information visit www.beaconcoalition.com or call Hayden at 978-463-8977.
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