Fundraising Efforts Continue For Class Of '23 Sober Grad

With the major fundraiser – the annual tri-tip drive-thru dinner – hosted this past weekend, officials with the Sober Grad committee have officially kicked off their fundraising efforts for the Class of 2023. The goal is to put on a safe and memorable graduation night party for Escalon High School seniors, and the tri-tip dinner provides a solid base from which to work. “We sold 200 dinners, pick up was 4:30 p.m. to 6 pm. here at El Portal,” Sober Grad committee member and BBQ coordinator Renee Snow said on Saturday morning, April 1, as crews came in to prepare the meat and begin the process of putting together the dinners, designed for a family of four. “This is the only fundraiser we do for the Sober Grad night.”

Organizers count on donations from the community to help as well, said Snow, with cash, gift cards and other items being sought. “Not a lot of high schools have the luxury of doing this and our high school is one of them that does it super big for the kids,” explained Snow. “It takes a lot of people, a lot of money to run it, and do it and it gives a safe night for these kids and it’s something they look back on … I have people who reach out to me who buy tickets and go ‘I remember when I went to my Sober Grad’ and we just need to remind people how important it is to continue donating, to support this.”

Between now and graduation, residents and businesses in the community are encouraged to donate to the cause, as the committee’s goal is to make sure every student attending the party on their final night of high school goes home with something, whether it’s cash, a prize, or both. “There are schools that don’t have the funding for it anymore and luckily, we live here, in this community where there are so many that want to support this cause but it takes your support, it takes everybody’s support,” Snow said. She added that they had to increase the ticket prices this year as a result of everything they put in the dinner also costing more, including the tri-tip, which she said was almost £1,000 more than last year.

Not having the drive-thru event wasn’t an option, even with the increased cost for the dinner for four, which included the seasoned tri-tip, four baked potatoes, salad and bread. “Instead of us saying let’s not do it this year, let’s hold off, we’ve got to continue doing it because whatever money we make on it, it’s to help support that Sober Grad night,” Snow added. Fellow committee member Krysten Lial said those that want to contribute can send checks to Escalon High School, Attention: Sober Grad, with the checks made payable to Escalon Sober Grad.

Letters seeking support have gone out to many businesses that have donated in the past and Lial said they have gotten some back, but overall, the donations are running behind where they have been at this time in the past. “After COVID, we took a huge hit in donations, it just is what it is,” Lial admitted. Snow said last year, when her son was a senior, she attended the event for the first time, after having been involved in fundraising but never going to the Sober Grad itself.

“Seeing the end result with my own eyes was amazing,” she said of the end of year party, which is staged on the EHS campus and features several hours of fun for the senior class. “All the food that’s there, all the games, definitely all the prizes that those kids win, and they always want each kid to leave with something.” Lial said the next effort will be to solicit for gift cards, which are sought at the £10 level, with the goal of each attendee leaving with at least one gift card and some cash, which they get to pick out from a ‘mystery cash box’ on arrival at the Sober Grad event. Students who helped out at the drive-thru dinner will receive some credit, as their ticket to attend will be less expensive.

Seniors turning out to assist were Shelby-Lynn Kessler, Johanna Romero, Cassandra Sanchez, and Clare McPherrin.

Lial reiterated that, between the gift card and mystery money, students are guaranteed to at least leave Sober Grad with £20, and tickets are typically £40 so they get half their money back.

“It’s a great, safe night of memories,” Snow concluded.

aden-and-anais listed on couponmatrix.ukdebenhams listed on couponmatrix.ukevan-evans-tours listed on couponmatrix.ukmodern-milkman listed on couponmatrix.uknobodys-child listed on couponmatrix.ukseven-store listed on couponmatrix.uk
aden-and-anais listed on couponmatrix.ukAs a parent, you know that babies need a lot of stuff. And that stuff can be expensive! Aden & Anais provide top products for babies and parents alike. We're always on the lookout for ways to help you save money. That's why we offer the top Aden & Anais discount codes for their products. Just enter your code at checkout and you'll get a nice little discount on your purchase. We work hard to find the best Aden & Anais discount codes for you to use on their products. We know that every penny counts when you're a parent, so we want to help you save as much money as possible. That why at Groupon we are always on the hunt for the best offers and deals, so you don't have to break the bank. Check back here for the latest Aden & Anais discounts. If you're looking for a top-performing Aden & Anais product, we recommend the Aden + Anais Classic Muslin Swaddle Blankets. These blankets are made of soft, breathable cotton and they're perfect for swaddling your baby. They're also machine-washable, which is a huge plus for busy parents. Their products are worth the investment and with a little help from our Aden Anais discount codes, you can make them even more affordable. So don't wait, head over to Aden & Anais and start shopping!
debenhams listed on couponmatrix.ukThere are few retailers more historic and significant in the UK than the legendary department store Debenhams. With well over 200 years of experience bringing top-quality clothing, drapery and furnishings to British customers, Debenhams has established itself as one of the best-known brands in the country. With a Debenhams discount code from us, you can find whatever clothing you need at bargain prices, from elegant and luxurious dresses and coats to cheap and cheerful swimming costumes, you can enjoy Debenhams’ amazing discounts all year round and feel confident and comfortable wherever you go.
evan-evans-tours listed on couponmatrix.ukWith Evan Evans Tours, sight-seeing has never been more fun. See London City's spectacular architecture by bus, discover 5,000 year old Stonehenge on foot or enjoy a tour and afternoon tea at Salisbury Cathedral - whatever your idea of a tour, Evan Evans Tours has a package to suit you. Get discovering for less with a Evan Evans Tours promo code and enjoy the UK's top attractions for a fraction of the price. From Harry Potter experiences to exciting castle tours, there's something to suit the kids too!
modern-milkman listed on couponmatrix.ukModern Milkman is like the traditional delivery service of days gone by, with a twenty-first-century twist. Serving up everything from semi-skimmed cow’s milk to vegan oat milk, iced coffee milkshake to blueberry yoghurt, and croissants to pantry supplies, this is a milkman that does it all! Join the revolution with a Modern Milkman discount code, and start looking forward to up to three deliveries a week with the ability to manage your delivery from the website or app. Ironically, circling back to reusable glass bottles could be the future, which is why Modern Milkman embraces the circular economy and puts the planet over plastics.
nobodys-child listed on couponmatrix.ukWant to a be an eco-friendly fashionista that can turn heads as well as helps the environment? Then Nobody’s Child should be on your radar, creating innovative clothing designs out of leftover fabrics all-year round. Delve right into their wares with a Nobody’s Child discount code and add essential styles to your selection on a budget, including dresses, trousers, tops, jumpsuits and plenty more. If you hate the idea of crowded landfills and empty wardrobes, you’re right where you belong at Nobody’s Child.
seven-store listed on couponmatrix.ukSeven Store is an online retailer that specialises in producing a wide variety of clothing and accessories. From New Balance sneakers to The North Face jackets, discover the wardrobe must-haves you never knew you needed before using a Seven Store discount code to make it yours for less. With branded scarves, sunglasses and other accessories to finish any outfit, prepare to look your finest with Seven Store. At Groupon, we know that feeling when your wardrobe is in dire need of an update but your bank balance says otherwise. However, thanks to our discount codes for Seven Store, you can shop 'til you drop and feel fabulous doing so without breaking the bank. Keep checking back here for the latest and greatest Seven Store discount codes so you can grab a bargain on your next purchase! If you're looking for a discount on your next Seven Store purchase, be sure to check out our vouchers page. We've got a great selection of Seven Store vouchers that can be used on a wide variety of clothing lines, from insulated bathrobes through to Converse All Stars. Whether you're after a new pair of jeans or a stylish jacket, make Seven Store your go-to destination and save yourself some money while you're at it!