Project Graduation, an all night, drug and alcohol free post-graduation celebration for the Hillsborough High School Class of 2008, will be holding its first annual Gala Dinner Dance from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. March 14 at the Bridgewater Manor.
A sumptuous dinner and excellent entertainment have been planned in the hopes of creating a new, exciting township tradition which could grow into a major event in future years.
Judy Haas, JJ Doyle and Lisa Killian, co-chairs of Project Graduation, noted the dinner may become the prime fundraiser for the annual event in the future.
The organizers say they hope to attract a large crowd, including residents and parents who don’t have children at the high school.
Tickets are $50 per person which includes a full four-course dinner of eggplant rollatini, Caesar salad, a choice of chicken shiitake mushroom with sundried tomato marsala creme or encrusted sole caer beurre sauce, chocolate mousse cake, and coffee/tea. Dinner will be prepared and served in the highly professional and gracious style for which Bridgewater Manor is known.
Music for dancing will be provided by DJ Lance, Lance Pecina of Clark.
The highlight of the evening will be provided by entertainer Jonni Drue, the stage name of Hillsborough resident John Zunski, who will perform the very best of Frank Sinatra’s music for an hour and a half. Mr. Zunski grew up in Manville where his singing career began 25 years ago in high school. He fronted the band “Public Notice!” for 10 years in the ‘80s and ‘90s and has been performing his vocal tribute to Sinatra called “I’ll be Frank” since 2001. He performs at corporate functions, weddings, milestone parties, and many other events.
”His voice, phrasing, and inflections give audiences the feeling that Frank is in the room!” said Pam Puleo, one of the co-chairs of the event. “I have heard Jonni’s showcase of songs, and it is not to be missed.”
Jonni Drue’s music can be sampled at his Web site http://illbefrank.com.
Tickets are available by calling Ms. Puleo (359-9972), Ms. Killian (904-9038), or Lisa Vizzoni (359-5038). Attendees are welcome to organize a table of eight to 10 of their favorite people family, friends, or coworkers or mix with new friends.
Project Graduation has been offered to the senior class, their parents, and the community for the past 17 years. Project Graduation receives no funding from Hillsborough Township, the Board of Education, or Somerset County. This event is funded entirely by donations and activities that the graduating class organizes and participates in during their final year of high school.
Fundraising events for Project Graduation include the Resolution 5K Run, held on New Years Day, an art auction and a fashion show and basket auction, held Feb. 9 this year.
The next meeting of the Project Graduation Volunteer Committee is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 7:30 PM in the Municipal Building’s Multipurpose Room. For further information, or to donate or volunteer, please contact JJ Doyle at 281-7300, or Judy Haas at 281-6325.
