Event intended to help soften escalating costs

While the cost of an education can be expensive, this is oftentimes more true where extracurricular activities are concerned. Getting a head start to help the graduating class of 2014 at Point Loma High School, the school’s Boosters have decided to host a series of fundraisers, with the first event scheduled for Saturday, April 14 at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge. “Kind of forecasting ahead, our children are graduating in the class of 2014,” said Caroline Costa, spokesperson for the Boosters for the class of 2014. “Every year, graduation time comes up and there are things, such as Grad Night at Disneyland and The Senior Breakfast, which are really expensive for the children to participate in. “So we thought that we would start fundraising now and holding a few benefits to gather some mo-ney together to help hold down the cost of the tickets for the parents and students who attend some of these events,” she said. Prices will more than likely increase by the time the class leaves school, but for now it’s estimated the class of 590 students will need between $12,000 and $15,000 to help partially cover activities. As an example, each ticket to Grad Night now costs $125. With other costs like testing guides and prom, fees add up quickly. The April 14 fundraiser will feature live music from blues and rock quartet The Blonde Brothers, comprised of students from the school. Headlining the gig will be Temple of the Dad, a local rock band that donates its time and concert proceeds to help area schools. Everyone involved is pitching in. The bands will donate their time and the show will be staffed by volunteers, while Humphrey’s has donated the venue. This way, every penny of the funds coming in will go directly to the students. Plans are for three such events to take place each year with a different talent lineup, including some sort of student combo each time. According to Costa, the intent was to stay away from traditional high-ticket dinner-and-dancing-type fundraisers, sticking with a less expensive and shorter option. “I’ve noticed that a lot of parents of a certain age prefer this more casual format,” Costa said. “They might not want to stay out all night and an early show like this is perfect. Basically though, we wanted to put the ‘fun’ back in ‘fundraiser. We wanted to give the adults a chance to go out and do something that was fun, quick and inexpensive, as well as contributing to a good cause.” The inspiration for getting involved comes from close to home. “One of my friends, Lucy Devito, had her son just graduate last year,” Costa said. “She be-ame aware when his grade came around, ‘Oh my gosh, we should have been fundraising for this two years ago.’ It’s quite a bit to come up with, but in a few years we’re going to have to do so. That’s why we’re thinking if we start now, we can do it.” Costa has fundraising experience, but said she is particularly happy to be involved with this effort. “It’s just wonderful to see so many people involved, helping from the heart,” she said. She’s said she’s hopeful the mix of music, Humphrey’s harborside scenery and the good cause involved will be enough of a draw to help the class. “It’s a nice way to try to give children an opportunity to go to these special events when so much money is already being spent on them as they prepare to graduate,” Costa said. • Point Loma Class of 2014 Fundraiser takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. $10. For more information, visit www.humphreysbackstagelive.com.