Buy Flowers to Help Point Boro Project Graduation

Buy flowers to help local Point Borough High School graduates stay safe after graduation.

The annual Spring Flower and Plant Sale is the last major fundraiser for Project Graduation and the deadline to order is Friday.

So far, sales are way behind last year's.

"We really count on the flower sale to help cover the costs of the night," said Nancy Pazienza of the the committee planning the alcohol and drug free night at the Atlantic Club in Wall following the June 18 graduation.

"So far we have less than half the amount of orders we had last year and a third of the amount of sales. The orders and payment need to be in school by 2:30 p.m. Friday. Or they can email me or call me (732-604-0750)  and we will come pick the orders up."

Project Graduation has been going on for the past 23 years to promote a safe, fun, alcohol and drug free graduation night as this night is statistically the most dangerous night for teens, when more teens die than any other night, Pazienza said.

Admission to Project Graduation is free.

A huge variety of perennials, annuals, vegetable and herb plants are available through the ongoing flower sale. Pick up individual pots or flats, ready for planting or prepared arrangements in decorative baskets and urns.

The flowers will be ready for pick up on Saturday morning, May 4th. There will be some extra flowers available on the morning but it's best to pre-order what you want.

All orders can be mailed directly to the high school with payment. The order form is attached here as a PDF and also on the top of the home page of the school district website.

For more information, you can also contact Jim Foley at the high school, 732-701-1900 or Pazienza at nancypaz@comcast.net.

"Project Graduation is truly grateful to the local businesses for all of their support throughout the year," Pazienza said.

"The adult social held at Marlins Cafe on Feb. 24 was a complete success, thanks to the many parents and to Marlin's owners Diane and Drew McKenna and their staff. Marlin's donated the use of the cafe and all food to the Project Graduation fundraiser. Over 200 people attended and helped raise over $7,500,  making it our biggest fundraiser yet."

For the second year, Chris and Joe Scalise, owners of will donate 10 percent of any purchases to Project Grad for those people who simply say "I want to support Project Graduation."

Last year they donated $350 just from prom and Senior Ball flowers, but this year are donating proceeds from all purchases until May 31.

"While they don't have a senior graduating, the Scalises said they just wanted to help out the students as they felt Project Graduation is an important worthwhile project," Pazienza said.

Julia Schena, Salon Mulan's owner, has a daughter who graduated last year but is stepping up this year to help support Project Grad. Salon Mulan will donate 10 percent of all sales for anyone that comes in and says they want to help support Project Graduation.

Susan Roche of Life's Miracles Photography does have a senior graduating and wanted to help Project Grad in her daughter's honor. Roche is offering a special portrait package: she is donating 50 percent of the $100 cost to the seniors.

Regularly a $500 value, the now $100 package includes a private portrait session at your choice of place, 1 8x10 or 2 5x7's and 15 4x6 proofs along with 25% off of any other upgrades or purchases. The session must be done by June 15. Please Contact Susan Roche to schedule your private portrait session appointment at: susanjroche@me.com (wwwlifesmiracles.com) or 732-703-2752 or nancypaz@comcast.net for more information.

This special is open to everyone. You do not have to have a student in the school to participate. "Roche wanted to do this also as a way of thanking the community for all of the help she has received as she rebuilds her home and business that were destroyed by Superstorm Sandy," Pazienza said.

Project Graduation will also have a table at the Second Annual Music Festival from 1 to 8 p.m. May 18th at Riverfront Park, River Road, Point Borough. The event will feature live bands, food, wine and beer. (Those purchasing alcoholic beverages must show proof of age and stay within a designated perimeter, just like last year.) See flier as attached PDF for details.