Some time ago, I wrote a column on the efforts of Dayton community groups to put on Safe Grad Night so Dayton High School graduates and their friends didn't get in trouble drinking or using drugs to celebrate their newfound freedom.
Parents and community members have come through to put on the Safe and Sober Grad Night event at the Incline Recreation Center.
Donations topped $6,000 so far, thanks to the work of volunteers.
However, volunteers with Central Lyon County Youth Connections and Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties still need $6,000.
The event cost $17,000 last year, and included swimming, a climbing wall, karaoke, a mock casino, basketball, games, prizes and food.
Food donations of pizza, sub sandwiches, water, Gatorade and other snacks are also still needed.
Parents are also needed to serve as chaperones.
Michele Watkins, of the Central Lyon Youth Connections, said the Carson High Grad Night is sponsored by the Parent Teacher Student Association, and the responsibilities are evenly divided.
Parents of seniors are responsible for food, parents of juniors are chaperones, parents of sophomores do the decorating, and parents of freshmen handle cleanup.
Not a bad system.
Watkins and her fellow organizers would like to see Safe Grad Night become a tradition in Lyon County as well, but they need help.
Central Lyon Youth Connections will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Dayton High library to plan fundraising and other activities.
To help organize or donate, call Patty Sanborn at 246-7012 or Michele Watkins at 246-0320. Donations can also be sent to Grad Night, P.O. Box 1865, Dayton NV 89403.
It's obviously a lot of work and a lot of money, but how much work and money is involved if teens go out drinking to celebrate and an accident occurs? Let's see - DUI fines, hospital bills, funeral expenses ...
• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 351.