Thousands more needed to meet 40k goal
By Betsy Avelar
Gilroy – Diane Baty hopes that when her twin daughters graduate from Gilroy High School next year, their graduation will be free from the perilous partying that too often turns tragic for new grads. Actually, Baty is doing more than hoping – she’s working hard to ensure the new grads’ safety.
Baty’s and others’ efforts are focused on raising money for the 19th annual Sober Grad Night through the sale of apples – giant apples.
“The (apples) are amazing,” said Baty, who serves on the Grad Night planning committee. “I have had them given to me as a gift. It probably gives 24 slices easily.” This year Baty is responsible for entertainment and previously served as co-chair when her son graduated in 2004.
The apples were a success last year, raising roughly $2,500. The apples are $20 each and Grad Night receives $5 on each sale, said Mike Stromecki who is the one receiving orders. Each apple weighs 2-1/2 to 3 pounds and is covered in buttery caramel, chocolate and crunchy roasted almonds. The Giant Fuji apples are tended carefully and hand-harvested at their peak in the cool of autumn and has been featured on the Rosie O’Donnell Show, The Food Network and Oprah’s Top 10 Holiday list.
Though it has raised thousands of dollars in the past, the cost of putting on the Sober Grad Night is $40,000.
Becki Darnell, the co-chair of this year’s committee, understand the huge amount of work that goes into planning and fundraising for the event.
“Apparently its going to be a lot of work, but its been fun,” she said. “It’s just a huge event – you don’t realize that when someone says ‘Grad Night.’ It takes so many people.
Grad Night is designed to provide students a safe and fun place to party after graduation. The event was inspired by a senior in Valencia who was killed in an alcohol-related accident.
Darnell looked at past Grad Night ideas and said that a hypnotist is usually always there, as well as entertainment such as “big toys” and the “cash cube” that gave away more than $4,000 last year, as well as a casino. Roughly 50 percent to 60 percent of the budget goes to entertainment. Other costs include decorations, senior prizes, food and beverages.
Last year’s theme was “It’s Your World.”
“We highlighted different parts of the world,” said Mia Delorenzo, a volunteer who served as treasurer last year.
“Everything that you’re doing is trying to provide an exciting atmosphere to entice more kids to come off the street, and once they’re of the street you’re keeping them safe,” said Delorenzo.
Those interested in ordering apples can contact Kathy and Mike Stromecki at 847-8382.
