SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Raising money for a safe graduation

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   With the end of the school year approaching, the South Brunswick High School Project Graduation Committee is working to raise money to ensure graduation night is a safe and memorable one for outgoing seniors.
   The committee will be hosting several fundraisers leading up to the end of the school year to raise the necessary money for its graduation night event, which will take place June 23 at the Funplex in Mount Laurel. The event will provide students with a free night of refreshments and entertainment, as well as transportation to the Funplex, where they will be chaperoned in a substance-free party.
   Students gather at SBHS at around 10:30 p.m. on graduation night and are bused to the event and back home at around 5:30 a.m. The indoor-outdoor recreation center offers go-karts, laser tag and arcade games, among other activities.
   ”The main reason we hold these fundraisers is if students have to pay for it themselves then we fear they wouldn’t come,” said committee co-Chairwoman Mariann Long. “Some students really need to be there and can’t afford it. We want to make sure it’s open to everyone and we get a great turnout each year, which is great.”
   The cost of the graduation night event is approximately $55,000 with the cost per student at about $70, according to Ms. Long. Thus far the fundraising efforts have generated around $20,000, with help from a $7,500 donation from the South Brunswick Municipal Alliance.
   On April 24, the committee will be sponsoring its third annual Ladies Shopping Night Out, from 7 to 10 p.m. at SBHS. Over 40 vendors will be there including Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Pampered Chef, Gold Canyon Candles and various jewelry sellers. Admission to the event is $2.
   Also among the vendors will be the National Estate Jewelry Buyers, who purchase old and new gold and silver jewelry from people based on that day’s gold and silver prices. Ten percent of their proceeds will go to Project Graduation.
   On May 9, the committee will hold its fourth annual community flea market and yard sale. The event will take place at Woodlot Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants get to rent a space for $20, with spaces rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications to rent a space are due by May 2.
   There will also be a used clothing drive that day, with collections of usable clothing for men, women and children, as well as soft toys.
   On May 22, the committee will sponsor its 11th annual golf outing at Bunker Hill Golf Course, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $90 per player and $340 per foursome and includes a golf cart, breakfast, lunch and prizes.
   All of the fundraising efforts help to provide seniors with a safe night of fun and to provide parents with peace of mind, knowing their children are under the watchful eye of about 30 chaperones and three police officers.
   ”All kids want to celebrate with their friends on that night,” Ms. Long said. “This event saves them from hopping to different parties. They come to the high school and we bus them to the event where there is no alcohol, tobacco or substances. They’re all safe and that’s the most important thing.”
   For more information on Ladies Shopping Night Out and the community flea market, e-mail Ms. Long at [email protected]. For more information on the golf outing email Bob Long at [email protected] or call 732-422-4819.
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