Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 22, 1992 TAG: 9202220124
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
AFTER-PROM PARTY PREVIEW TUESDAY NIGHT
Most of the year, Charlie and Chris Vestal don't have any children.But on one night in May, they have dozens of them.
The Vestals have been chaperoning post-prom parties for Blacksburg High School for three years. This year, they'll be there again, staffing the games, watching the students, coordinating other chaperones - and maybe even dancing.
"I believe in young people, that they're basically good and need chance to participate in a party like this," said Charlie Vestal, president of Abrasion Technology in Blacksburg.
"This gives them an opportunity to be out late in an environment that's alcohol- and drug-free, and that removes some of the pressures that might be put on them by being out so long with time on their hands."
The party this year will go on until about 5 a.m., Vestal said. And there are some parents who don't want their kids staying out so late. But that's because they don't know how well-structured the party is, he said.
This Tuesday night, parents will have a chance to find out.
Vestal and other committee members will be hosts for an After-Prom Party Preview for parents and members of the business community. The preview will be held at Custom Catering from 5 to 7 p.m.
"We want to involve parents and explain to them what happens," Vestal said. The business community's support is needed, too, he said. The post-prom party costs only a few dollars for the students, but the costs for the food, movies and disc jockey add up.
Last year, the party included a casino where students were given some "funny money" and a chance to win prizes.
Vestal spent part of his evening dealing blackjack.
The party has grown every year. Last year, 80 percent of the students who attended Blacksburg's prom attended the party after it.
This year's party promises to be another late one for Charlie and Chris Vestal, who are usually in bed well before midnight.
"My wife and I stay awake and watch the sun come up," he said. "We feel we can return something to the community by doing this. We like being involved."