The annual Project Graduation auction will be held on Saturday, March 12, at the newly renovated Scarborough High School cafeteria and, according to the organizers, there is something there for everybody.
The auction is Project Graduation’s largest fund-raiser and essentially helps pay for the entire Project Graduation event. Organizers hope that the added visibility of holding the auction at the high will generate more interest and are looking to have 200 people attend. The fund-raising goal is $15,000.
“It’s a fun community event,” said Kim Hanlon, co-chairman of Project Graduation.
The members of Project Graduation contacted about 500 businesses last summer and about 200 of those donated items for the auction. Some of the more interesting items in this year’s auction include: a college consulting service from College Solutions, a gift certificate for driver’s education from Driving Force, four Red Sox tickets for Memorial Day from the Golojuch family, a weekend for two at Marriott at Sable Oaks, a pair of Dynastar skis from Joe Jones Ski and Sport, and several gift certificates for heating oil.
In addition, rather than having a 50/50 raffle this year the even will hold several “pail” raffles where participants can enter a drawing for a specific prize. This year auction winners will be able to pay by cash, check and credit card.
The auctioneer is Floyd Hartford, of Top Notch Antiques in Scarborough. Mike Terrio will provide the music. Both are volunteering their time for the event. High school seniors will help during the event and will serve desserts and drinks. They also will help display the auction items.
The money raised from the event will be spent on the post-graduation event for this year’s graduating class at Scarborough High School.
This year they will go on a cruise of Casco Bay and then spend the rest of the night at Saco Sport and Fitness where they will be able to use the fitness center. In addition Project Graduation will hire a number of entertainers for the students including a hypnotist, magician, psychic, a caricaturist and disk jockey. Food also will be provided.
During the year Project Graduation pays for a photographer to photograph each senior as they receive their diplomas and a print for every student. In addition, the organization pays for a senior breakfast at the beginning of the year.
Projection Graduation is an entirely volunteer organization that fully supports the post graduation event through their fund-raising. Additional volunteers are always needed and parents are encouraged to volunteer.
The silent auction begins at 6 p.m. and the live auction will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person or $15 for a family. The ticket price includes a dessert buffet and drinks. For more information contact Kim Hanlon at 883-1516 or khanlon@maine.rr.com or Paula O’Brien at 883-4180 or at pobrien20@maine.rr.com.
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