The planning starts in the fall. Fundraising continues through high school graduation the following summer.

And it all boils down to giving seniors several hours of fun together in an alcohol-free environment to celebrate graduation before the classmates spread out to tackle the world.

Fundraising for area schools' all-night graduation parties is spearheaded by groups of dedicated parents who are assisted by the students.

The events include food, games, entertainment and big-ticket prizes such as laptops, flat-screen TVs, dorm fridges, headphones, microwaves, luggage and more.

"It's something that we hope will make their graduation night even more memorable," said Vicky Nelson, a Coeur d'Alene High parent volunteer.

Julie Hunt, a Post Falls High parent, said the parties have a dual purpose.

"It gives the seniors one more opportunity to see the kids they have been going to school with as many will never see each other again," Hunt said. "It is also a way for us parents to tell the kids how proud we are of this life-changing accomplishment."

Blaine Porter, a Lakeland High senior, said students have been involved by selling tickets for fundraisers. They've had fun along the way, including camping out at the school to get in on advance ticket sales to the party to have early access to the event's "store."

"It's a chance to spend one last night together with classmates you grew up with," Porter said. "I'm looking forward to it. It's one last bit of bonding before we all scatter."

With nightmare stories around graduation time of DUIs, keeping the seniors safe, while still allowing them to celebrate, fuels the hard work that goes into the parties.

"We do this so they're not doing other extra-curricular activities that we don't want them to," said Lisa Ellison, a Lake City High parent.

This year marks the 30th time Lake City and Coeur d'Alene graduates will be offered a celebration after graduation into the wee hours of the morning. Other local schools, including Post Falls, Lakeland and Timberlake, also have similar parties, which start around 10 p.m. and end at 4 a.m.

Throwing such parties, which are at the Kroc Center for Lake City, the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake for Timberlake and Triple Play Fun Park for other schools, aren't cheap.

Fundraising goals can range from $12,000 to $30,000, depending on the class size and how much organizers want to defray the admission cost for the seniors.

Donations from area businesses and individuals are secured for the parties. Fundraising events throughout the school year range from selling pies and other products to 50-50 raffles at games to dinner/auctions.

In Coeur d'Alene, donations are divided evenly between the schools. Merchandise contributions are also split.

Teens are encouraged to stay for the whole party. Those who leave early are not allowed back in, and their parents are notified that they have exited.

Nelson said Coeur d'Alene High partygoers are offered prizes at different times throughout the night as incentives for them to stay. Last year about 220 graduates attended the Viking celebration.

Most graduates stay all night, Ellison said. Of 185 teens at last year's Lake City party, Ellison said she is aware of just one that left before the party ended.

Area businesses do their part to make the parties a success and recognize the importance of providing a safe event for the seniors.

"Anyone that wants 50 pizzas for a senior party like this gets them," said D.J. Cavanaugh, owner of the Papa Murphy's store in Hayden.

Mary Luann Larson, a Lake City parent, added: "The restaurant and food industry in our community has been fabulous."