Fundraising is going well for the all-night graduation party but
more money means more affordable tickets
Gilroy – Yeah, we’re still in the midst of winter and June may seem years away, but to the Gilroy High School Grad Night 2006 Committee graduation is just around the corner.
The four volunteers, who make up the committee, kicked the fundraising into gear last June when the class of 2005 graduated by selling flower leis. Last year, they raised more than $1,900 on graduation night. At the Gilroy Garlic Festival in July, the committee manned a Pepsi booth and made more than $1,200.
Throughout the year they stage a variety of fundraisers for the all-night party and the more money they raise the cheaper the tickets, Mia DeLorenzo said.
“We try to make it affordable for every student,” said the Grad Night Committee treasurer.
The price has not been set yet but DeLorenzo said the committee’s goal is sell the tickets for no more than $50.
To encourage students to participate the committee always tries to tie the fundraiser in with Grad Night. Students who participate in one or more of the fundraisers held throughout the year receive credits and a discount on their tickets. Also, since 2004, seniors have had the chance to submit a design for the Grad Night T-Shirts that coincides with the theme.
The theme remains a surprise until the T-Shirt design contest.
In 2005, they received more than 12 entries, DeLorenzo said. The artist of the winning design always receives a free ticket to Grad Night. Other contestants may receive credit toward their ticket or a free one, depending on the number of participants.
The record attendance at this year’s festival really worked in their favor, DeLorenzo said. The Gizdich Pie Fundraiser was staged around the Thanksgiving holiday. The fruit pie fundraiser was successful but DeLorenzo said she doesn’t have the exact dollar amount they raised.
In December the seniors raised more than $2,000 selling a two-pound candy-covered apples called the Unbelievable Apple. Community donations from individuals and businesses, also help cover the costs.
The group has to raise a minimum of $40,000 to bring the fun-filled event to seniors on graduation night. The committee is currently in decent financial shape but they still need to raise some more cash, DeLorenzo said
A total of 50 percent of the budget covers rental fees for toys such as the inflatable cash cubes, bungee basketball, obstacle course, trampoline, Sumo wrestling suits, the climbing wall and more. The casino room, filled with black jack, craps and poker tables, are popular with the students.
A variety of prizes, from televisions to microwaves, are given away throughout the evening.
Students arrive for the evening between 10 and 11pm the night of graduation. They are required to stay until the event ends at 5am the next day. If a student who purchased a ticket doesn’t show up by the time the doors close at 11pm, the committee calls the parents to let them know.
“The whole purpose of the Grad Night celebration is to keep our kids safe,” DeLorenzo said.
Donations should be made out to GHS Grad Night 2006 and sent to GHS Grad Night 2006 PO Box 545, Gilroy, Calif. 95021
For more information contact DeLoenzo at 842-7548.
