Lakeport >> The Saint Mary’s Church parish hall was packed to bursting with community members, parents, students and copious amounts of seafood Saturday night for the Clearlake High School Sober Grad Committee’s crab feed. The fundraiser was one of many planned for the remainder of the school year, in an attempt to raise $20,000 for CLHS Sober Grad night, set for May 29, 2015 at Quail Run Fitness Center.
That amount, $20,000, may seem like a high number, but based on previous years, it matches what is required to put on a successful night. “It’s from prior year expenses and prior year estimates from other Sober Grads,” said Marcy Harrison, CLHS Class of 2015 Sober Grad Chair.
Fortunately, this goal isn’t too lofty if prior Sober Grad nights are anything to go by. According to Harrison, every year fundraising for the event has been successful, thanks to the businesses, community members, parents and the students themselves who all assist in acquiring the funds.
However, this years efforts maybe more challenging than previous years. In the past, graduating classes received whatever money was leftover from prior fundraisers, but the class of 2015 had to start from scratch.
“For us we didn’t have a very large start up so more of the fundraising is going to be done this year,” Harrison said.
Other fundraising events are planned, which are sure to assist in creating a memorable Sober Grad night. “We’re also going to do a variety show in April and … we’ll do a drive through dinner and we have a few other things in the pipeline,” said Harrison. “We also get straight donations from the community.”
These events and contributions are especially important, because without them there would be no Sober Grad night, as the school donates no funds for the event.
Sober Grad night is held the evening after students walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. The event hopes to give students a secure location to celebrate their accomplishment.
“Basically it provides a safe place for kids to go after graduation,” said Harrison. “It’s an alcohol free event, so they’re not out there going to parties and drinking and driving. So it gives them a safe environment to attend after graduation.”
Though activities of the night vary based on the venue, previous years have seen rock climbing walls and miniature golf courses. “This year we’re gonna be looking at jump houses, things like that,” said Harrison. Additionally, students have chances to win various prizes and even enter in the running for some big ticket items. “In years past they’ve given away cars,” Harrison revealed. Entertainment and food are also provided for the 112 graduates.
“[Sober Grad night] is just something constructive and safe and supervised,” said Harrison. “It’s just something better than the alternative.”
Donations to the CLHS Sober Grad Committee can be made by going to www.gofundme.com/gvy42c.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
