George Washington of the Jungle will swing into action Saturday at 8 p.m. sharp in the WC Lifetime Fitness Center.
The Elm was able to get all the inside information in an exclusive interview with the Washington College Birthday Ball co-chairs, juniors Moriah Geaghan and Elizabeth Dunlap.
Dunlap and Geaghan assure WC students that the Ball is totally re-vamped this year, "the design is 110 percent different than it has ever been."
Also, there are many surprises and loads of fun in store for attendees. Of course, they would not share those secrets. They do say that costumes are encouraged, as there will be a costume contest.
The budget was set for 65 thousand dollars, every penny being used to bring WC the best Birthday Ball it has seen yet.
Dunlap and Geaghan were even able to secure a big-time decorator. They said, "Carey Hargrove, an alumnus of WC and the man who put together the most recent Inaugural Ball, is helping to create our evening."
This event is not just for students and alumni. Faculty and staff are in attendance, as well as important WC colleagues.
Planning for the Ball began in September, with the formation of the 30-person committee and the coming-together of all necessary department heads.
For anyone worried about the amount of drinking rumored to take place at the Ball, security has been improved to prevent and control alcohol.
Security is a big issue this year, as it is every year. An outside company has been hired to provide extra safety.
They will be checking IDs as students come in to get "wrist-banded" and know how to spot fake ones.
Dunlap and Geaghgan have had their work cut out for them. They even set up a tent to sleep in the Lifetime Fitness Center from Thursday through Sunday.
This week they have spent all of their time either in the LFC or in innumerable meetings, figuring out last minute details and keeping everyone updated.
When the co-chairs get to the LFC at 7 p.m. to make sure everything has gone without a hitch, the work will all be worth it.
Geaghan finds it "really awarding when it all comes together," knowing that she helped "put this awesome Ball together."
When Dunlap enters the LFC for the first time Saturday evening, she'll "just look around and get this adrenaline rush."
Even after the event, their work is not over. There is basic clean-up immediately after and taking apart the whole place the following day.
The decorations and set-up must be removed, dance mats torn up, floors washed, and the LFC restored for athletics.
For anyone who would like to help and has not signed up, just show up at the LFC anytime between now and Sunday. There will be something to help with.
Students and guests should not forget about the post-Birthday Ball breakfast to be held in the Dining Hall directly after the event.
Also, a shuttle service will be provided, taking Ball attendees to and from the LFC, Andy's and the Comfort Suites.
Dunlap and Geaghan hve the following advice for newcomers:
"Get ready to have fun, get plenty of sleep on Friday, come with friends (this is not a 'date' dance).
"Birthday Ball is . . .a huge cocktail party with a lot of dancing."
Keep in mind how much work has been put into the Birthday Ball and enjoy it the best you can.
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