More than 70 Marcellus High School seniors and members of the community gathered Saturday to raise money for the Senior Class After the Ball Party. Braving below freezing temperatures and 11 mph winds, the volunteers carried, sorted and packed thousands of bottles and cans over the course of eight hours.

Despite the cold weather, spirits were high, with laughter and joking being a common occurrence throughout the day.

“My favorite part was being able to socialize with members of my class I don’t usually see,” said senior Anthony Delia. “The bottle drive was definitely an experience that brought together a number of social groups within the class, since we had a common goal.”

That goal: to have the best Senior Ball possible.

“The money raised will go towards supporting all aspects of the After the Ball Party,” said Barrie Potter, who is heading up this year’s After the Ball Party Planning Committee. Between renting out the Ultimate Goal for the night and having a “Funny Money Auction” in which attendees bid fake money for prizes such as televisions, iPods and laptop computers, the After the Ball Party takes a lot of money to put on.

Barrie Potter is no newcomer to raising funds, however. He set the record for most money raised four years ago, when the committee raised $3,100 under his direction.

The bottle drive is a major part of the committee’s fundraising efforts, but there are many other ways to support the After the Ball Party, Potter said.

Donations of bottles are being accepted at Nojaims Brothers Market in Marcellus and Up to 8 Cents Bottle & Can Return in Onondaga Hill until May 10. Members of the senior class will also be selling tickets for a cash raffle until May 6, with the prize drawing occurring May 21, the night of ball.

Eric Morris is a senior at Marcellus High School.