Nursery sale sprouts big money for Project Graduation
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This year’s sale, which took place yesterday at Bobby Ray Elementary, raised $10,500. The total shattered last year’s record by some $3,000 and is nearly double what the sale generated just two years ago.
“We had at least 100 nurseries donate,” said volunteer and nursery owner Tommy Savage. “And the amazing thing is not one nursery owner I asked for donations turned me down.”
Savage, whose daughter Kendra graduates this year, was one of several volunteers who canvassed the county soliciting donations. The effort showed as this year’s sale had more nursery stock than ever before.
The money goes to support Project Graduation, the annual graduation night party held for seniors and their guests at the Civic Center. The all-night party offers a variety of activities and food in an effort to give teens a safe environment to celebrate.
“It gives kids something to do on graduation night instead of getting out, getting drunk and getting killed,” said volunteer Michael Smartt, whose stepson Jordan Hutchinson is a senior. Smartt donated nursery stock this year and volunteered at Project Graduation last year.
Savage has been down the Project Graduation road before since one of his sons, Brandon, recently graduated. Brandon was on hand to help out Saturday because he believes Project Graduation is a memorable event worth preserving.
“It gives seniors one last get-together before they split up and go their separate ways,” said Brandon. “Realistically, graduation night is the last time they will all be together because not everybody goes to reunions.”