Each year, the gym is filled with rented inflatable activities or challenges (Rock Climbing, Bouncy Boxing, Bungee Run, Obstacle Course, and Jousting to name a few from past years), basketball, and volleyball. A band has also played in the gym.
Carnival games, a DJ spinning tunes, photo ops, crafty projects, fortune tellers, a gentleman on stilts creating animal balloons and magic, and of course, the pool if it’s available are just some of the happenings to keep the students entertained and happy.
Food and drinks are available in abundance as we’re very aware that we are feeding teenagers! Project Graduation is fortunate as many of the local restaurants donate or give food at cost, so there’s quite a variety to choose from.
At about 3:30 in the morning, a show is put on for the students. Most years a hypnotist has everyone rolling with laughter. Some years a comedian has provided the entertainment.
Prizes are given throughout the night; cameras, headphones, iPads, TVs, stereos, gaming systems, gift cards and much more, depending on donations and the support given to fundraising. On average, approximately $9,000 worth of prizes are given out during the event! Graduates only need to be present to be eligible to win. For all graduates who make it to the close of Project Graduation, there is a drawing for the grand prize.
All this for only $10 per ticket, which must be purchased in advance for admittance. The low cost is possible only due to the fact that 100% of the money raised for Project Graduation is spent on the event. Project Graduation is totally supported by volunteers. All the money is spent directly for the benefit of the students and covers the cost of decorations, prizes, entertainment, food, activities, etc..
