Staff Writer

Scarborough High School is hoping to raise enough money for their seniors to enjoy a safe and alcohol-free graduation party, but organizers fear the economy is having a negative effect on their efforts.

About $20,000 to $25,000 will be needed to fund Project Graduation, a night of entertainment for 280 Scarborough High School graduates in an alcohol-free environment during graduation night, Project Graduation committee member Deb Malia said.

Malia said the committee will count on their annual auction from 5 to 9 p.m. March 21 at the high school, to raise money needed for the event.

According to the state Web site, Project Graduation was created about 30 years ago following the deaths of 18 people during two graduation seasons because of alcohol-related car crashes.

Malia, who graduated from Scarborough High School in 1981, said she was part of the first class to participate in Project Graduation. She said her class rode on a Casco Bay ferry all evening long, before stopping at Peaks Island the next morning to eat breakfast. Malia said most of the Scarborough senior class became sea sick and was unable to eat breakfast by the time the ferry docked at the island.

“At the time I thought it was a good idea,” Malia said.

Project Graduation committee member Deb Chaloux said this year the school is having trouble raising the funds.

“We’re concerned the program’s at risk because of the economy,” Chaloux said. 

Malia said the school hosted a comedy night Jan. 3, but lost money from the event due to lack of interest.

“It has been a little tougher this year, our donations are down,” Malia said.

Malia said the committee has currently raised half of what they would normally raise at this time of the year and said some local businesses that have regularly donated money or items for the auction have been unable to do so this year. However, Malia said they still have “tried and true” donors who have been able to give.

Project Graduation will take place at the Southern Maine Sports Zone in Saco. She said inflatable obstacle courses will be set up inside the facility. Massage, hypnosis and DJ will be among the offered entertainment for the evening. Basketball, soccer and guitar hero will also be offered.

Malia said this year’s set up is different from years past, as the students would typically have traveled to the Comedy Connection and Harbors Edge Restaurant in Portland before traveling to the Southern Maine Sports Zone, which was formerly known as Howard’s Sports Center, but Malia said the restaurant had been having “issues,” and was unable to be used for this year.

Chaloux said if the auction does not bring in the amount of money needed, they will have to charge students to attend Project Graduation. 

Nicole Chaloux-Pinette, Deb Chaloux’s daughter, said her Project Graduation was a memorable experience. She said it’s unfortunate the economy may affect Project Graduation and said more parents should become involved in fundraising.

“I think that opportunity [for graduates] to be together is unmatched,” Chaloux-Pinette said.

Malia said items such as an L.L. Bean kayak, a baseball autographed by Hideki Okajima of the Boston Red Sox, snowboards, furniture, mulch, as well as gift certificates for local services and restaurants will be available during the auction. She said Dr. Lisa Howard has also offered her orthodontist services as an auction prize.

Cost for the auction is $5 per person or $15 for families. For more information on the Scarborough High School Project Graduation auction, contact Malia at 329-6191.