Seniors, with help from their parents, get started on their senior year with their first fundraiser, manning the Butte County Fair parking lot. A portion of the proceeds is donated to Sober Grad Night festivities. Photo provided by Maria Solis

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley High School Class of 2027 kicked off the Butte County Fair and its impending senior year at GHS with a fair parking lot fundraiser for Sober Grad.

The Sober Grad Night celebration is typically an all-night party on the eve of commencement with continuous activities and the chance to win prizes and money that graduates can put toward their futures.

Last year, the Class of 2026 Sober Grad Party committee and parents behind the planning reportedly raised $37,000, according to Maria Solis.

Solis leads the charge this year for the Class of 2027, taking on the parking lot fundraiser.

“A lot of people complained for the last few years about how difficult it is to find people (volunteers),” said Solis. “I told them, ‘You have to make it fun!’ Get popsicles, bring water. It’s hot out there. Have a canopy, have music so the time goes by fast!”

Families banded together to help with the fundraiser, with parents such as Maria Solis, right, helping lead the effort alongside her daughter and future graduate, Rebecca Solis. Photo provided by Maria Solis

Shifts were kept to a two-hour limit, and Solis made sure the previous suggestions were followed.

Logistically, Solis created a system to align cars in the parking lot and keep the locations tracked so changing shifts of student volunteers and their parents could seamlessly assist drivers. In addition, the Class of 2027 retained parking spaces near the entrance for guests with mobility issues.

According to Solis, graduates are no longer considered students upon commencement. Therefore, Sober Grad Party funds must be kept separate from school class funds, such as funds raised for senior trips.

Planning for Sober Grad Night often begins early in order to acquire enough funds to create a memorable evening and provide each former student with a gift or monetary prize.

The Class of 2027 will continue Sober Grad Night fundraising efforts with specialty drinks offered at upcoming home football games.

Donations to the Class of 2027 Sober Grad Night can be made in multiple ways. Checks can be mailed to GHS Sober Grad 2027, c/o Maria Solis, 364 Bayberry Way, Gridley, CA 95948; through Venmo at @ghsclass2027; or by participating in future fundraisers.