Race to raise money for Safe Grad night

As the weeks wind down to graduation day, the committee organizing the safe and sober celebration is racing to raise the necessary the funds.

"We're about where we were last year," said Jane Brinson, chairwoman of this year's Safe Grad committee. "Maybe just a little under where we wanted to be."

A big push comes this weekend with the second annual Safe Grad 5K Run and Walk.

"It was very successful last year," Brinson said. "We felt like it was a really nice show of community support."

She said it is an event that all ages can participate in together.

"We had grandparents and little kids and parents and teenagers from the high school," Brinson said. "It was an opportunity for all different generations to come together and show their support for Safe Grad."

The Safe Grad tradition started in 1988 as a way to keep seniors safe on graduation night. It begins with a party at the Carson City Community Center and culminates with a 6 a.m. bus trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif.

Brinson said this year's fundraising is particularly important, as the buses that charter the students to Six Flags have increased in price by $1,800.

"That was a bit of a shock," she said. "Because we promised it to the kids, we wanted to make good. If the prices continue to rise, it will make it difficult in the future."

Brinson said she is hopeful that local businesses will support the committee as they have in the past.

The run begins with check-in at 8 a.m. Saturday and the run at 9, beginning at Firkin & Fox. Costumes sporting Senators pride are encouraged. Register at www.race360.com or by mail. Race day registration will be at 7:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers as well as the runner with the best Carson High School-inspired costume.

If you go

WHAT: Safe Grad 5K Run and Walk

WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday

WHERE: Firkin & Fox, 310 S. Carson St.

REGISTER: Race360.com or mail forms to P.O. Box 486, Carson City, NV 89702

For more information or help registering, contact Melissa Weddell at melissa.weddell@gmail.com or Jane Brinson at (775) 721-4241.