The University Park Preschool Association (UPPA) raised a total of $103,000 for University Park Elementary School with its first annual "UP ALL NIGHT" urban campout last spring. "We were blown away by the success of last year's event and the amazing support it received," said Amanda Cejka, UPPA President. "Many of you embraced this new event and started what we hope to be a long-standing tradition for the University Park Elementary School Community". The 2nd Annual UP ALL NIGHT will take place on April 11-12, 2015 and is sure to be a sell-out once again for residents zoned to or attending UP Elementary. Priority registration for this year's event is underway for all UPPA members and 2014 Panther Club members starting February 2, 2015. Open registration for all others begins on Monday, February 9th at 7:30 a.m. at University Park Elementary School. Space is limited to the first 275 families.
"We are excited to bring this highly successful and one-of-a-kind fundraising event back to UP Elementary and its families", said Cejka. "This event will provide a unique opportunity for UP dads and children to spend quality time together while creating memories to last a lifetime."
After checking in Saturday, April 11th, attendees will pitch their tents and prepare for an evening of fun. In its second year, the event will offer a wide-range of camping activities sure to entertain all ages. Big hits for campers will again include catch-and-release fishing, arts & crafts, a rock climbing wall, inflatables and a DJ glow-in-the-dark dance party after dark. Many new activities will be offered this year including a zip line, bow and water gun target practice and much more! The popular band, Whiskey Pants is slated to entertain during dinner hours. Sunday morning, campers will enjoy breakfast before they pack out of UP Elementary.
"We are delighted with the continued support of this event. One of our organizations biggest assets is our amazing volunteers, said Cejka, "especially our talented Event Chairs, Ashley Hughes, Emily Lewin, Annie Stock and Kristin Dauphinais, and of course our year round leader, Principal Dr. Carter. We're incredibly grateful to each of them, the City of University Park and our underwriters and sponsors who have come on board to ensure the success of this event."
To date, many local business and families have generously agreed to donate to UP ALL NIGHT. Love Field Jeep has signed on to be the lead sponsor of the event this year. Other donors including Eagle Shore, Medical City Children's Hospital and Southern Botanical are also on board to help with the festivities. Additionally, Crest Painting, Ellen Grasso & Sons, Community Trust Bank, Not Just Soccer, Dental Center of Lakewood, Highland Park Spine & Sports Medicine, Balloons Everyday, Mountain Hideout, Learning Express, Kidville and Pilates Barre are backing the event. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are still available. Those interested in supporting the event, please contact Ashley Hughes at upallnightcampout@yahoo.com.
ABOUT THE UPPA
The University Park Preschool Association (UPPA) is a subsidiary of the University Park Elementary School PTA, a volunteer based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds for the benefit of University Park Elementary School. As a nonprofit organization, all charitable contributions to the UPPA are taxdeductible to the extent allowed by law. Funds raised are used primarily for upgrading technology, facility improvements and classroom enhancements.