Chris Kanzler

To the editor:It is the beginning of a new school year, and the Project Graduation fund raisers are already underway for the Kennett High School senior class of 2005. The Kennett High Project Graduation is now entering its 19th consecutive year of service. The goal of Project Graduation is to offer graduating high school seniors a safe, fun, chem-free alternative to private graduation night parties in an effort to avoid untimely injuries or fatalities to our young graduating students. Participation in Project Graduation is offered to all graduating senior class members at no cost to them, in exchange for a written pledge that no drugs or alcohol will be used during that fun-filled evening. For most graduating seniors, the activities of Project Graduation mark the last time that they will be together with their fellow classmates. The costs of providing Project Graduation events are met solely through local fund-raising activities, and the generous donations and support of area businesses and residents. The Project Graduation committee, whose task it is to raise the necessary funds and decide the appropriate events for the graduation night activities, is made up of parents and concerned citizen volunteers. All monies raised go directly to supporting the graduation night activities. This year's fund-raising events start with Story Land After Dark on Friday, Sept. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. The $25 tickets include weekend entry to Heritage and Story Land, a $1,000 grand prize raffle ticket, and entry to Story Land After Dark, selected rides, a buffet dinner presented by American Culinary Federation members, auctions, raffles, and great times. Through the generosity of Stoney Morrell and his Story Land staff, many other area charities share in the proceeds raised by this fun event. Tickets are limited, but still available at many area businesses including the Village Barber Shop in North Conway, the Ham Arena, or by calling Chris Kanzler at 356-5502.Our second fund raiser is the Project Graduation 10th Annual Golf Tournament, held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19, at the Wentworth Golf Club. The tournament is based on a scramble format with a shotgun start. There will be numerous prizes awarded, including first place winners in men's, women's and student divisions, the opportunity to win a new car at the Crest Autoworld/A.D. Davis Hole-In-One Challenge, and a chance to win a weeklong stay at any RCI resort at the Long Putt Contest, sponsored by Attitash Mountain Village. A registration fee of $85 per golfer ($65 per student) includes a golf cart, dinner at the Red Fox Pub, and prizes. There will be a raffle and silent auction held at the Red Fox Pub during dinner, with a chance to win some excellent prizes donated by numerous local businesses. We still have several openings available for individual golfers and foursomes. Please call Peter Kondrat at 447-5278 to sign up, donate a raffle prize, or to purchase a hole, hazard, or tee sponsorship ($75 each). Through the coming school year, Project Graduation will hold additional fund raisers including a pointsettia sale, our fifth annual Project Graduation Hockey Tournament at Ham Arena, and a senior pizza night. We will release more information on these promotions in future weeks.We are acutely aware of the fund-raising demands placed on all of us, residents and businesses alike, in our small communityand all fund-raising efforts have a worthy goal or cause to promote. We only ask for your consideration in supporting the Project Graduation fund-raising events. After all, the safety of our community's youth is among the most worthy of causes. For individuals, associations or businesses that would like to contribute privately, donations will be gratefully received at: Kennett Project Graduation 2005, P.O. Box 1349, North Conway, NH 03860.We thank the community for its continuing generous support.