Breakfast Fundraiser Boosts Project Graduation

A breakfast fundraiser for Project Graduation, sponsored by N.J. Senator Nicholas Asselta and Cumberland County Sheriff Michael Barruzza on April 29, generated more than $3,000 in profits, according to Dr. Thomas McCann, Vineland High School South Principal.

Project Graduation is a free, all-night drug and alcohol-free party for seniors to celebrate their high school commencement threatened by state funding cuts. School, district and community groups are striving to raise the $50,000 necessary to continue the event.

The breakfast fundraiser, held April 29, “would not have been possible without the generosity and support” of the two government officials, said Dr. McCann.

Sen. Asselta paid the entire cost of the food and paper products for the breakfast, and also solicited donations from several local businesses, said a spokesperson for his office. “It was very important to the senator that the graduating class of 2007 have all of the proceeds from the breakfast go to Project Graduation without having any ‘overhead’ costs,” said the spokesperson.

Sheriff Baruzza and volunteers from his department coordinated cooking the full-course breakfast to a crowd that at times nearly filled the main cafeteria at VHS South. “It is with enormous gratitude that Project Graduation advisors, Karen Hunt and Benita Villar, the VHS South Administration and the student body send a big ‘thank you’ to these two gentlemen who have done so much to ensure the success of this event.