Shannon Litz/Nevada Appeal
The Safe and Sober 5k to raise money for Carson High School's annual Safe Grad party will be 10 a.m. Saturday, after being canceled in November because of an early snowstorm.
"We've put a lot of time into this race, and we're ready to go for it," said Rene Knorzer, co-chairwoman for the run. "As long as it's not snowing, we're going to do it."
The fun run is the principal fundraiser for the high school's annual safe and sober graduation celebration, Safe Grad. The party begins at the Carson City Community Center with activities, including a casino, jump house, photo booth, swimming, rock climbing, food, raffles and more.
The party, which began in 1988 as a way to keep graduating seniors safe, goes all night long, culminating with a bus trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif.
While the Six Flags trip costs $40 per student, the party at the community center is free.
"You can still have a last hurrah with your friends," Knorzer said. "And it doesn't cost you anything."
Kennedy Ogle, 18, is helping to organize the fun run as part of her senior project. The senior moved to Carson City from Pahrump her sophomore year.
"It was really interesting to hear what they do for all the graduates to keep them safe," she said.
As she's helped secure sponsorships for the race, she said, it's helped her to build confidence.
"It's taught me how to talk to different people and get comfortable with people," she said. "It's been a good experience."
Other fundraisers include Shares Cards, available at SaveMart stores. Customers swipe the card when making their purchases and 3 percent of that sale will go to Safe Grad.
"You don't have to sign up for anything," Knorzer explained. "You just swipe the card. They don't even know who you are."
Saturday's two-loop run will begin on the high school track, meander through the campus and finishing back on the track.
Runners can register online at race360.com or at 8 a.m. on race day. Fee is $30 or $20 for students. Race-day registration is $35. Packet pick-up will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at CV Sports, 3790 U.S. 395 #402.
If you go
WHAT: Safe and Sober 5k
WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday
WHERE: Carson High School, 1111 N. Saliman Road
You Can Help
Rene Knorzer said volunteers still are needed to help with the Safe Grad activities graduation night. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, to safegradinfo@yahoo.com.