HUNTINGTON BEACH : Bingo Fund-Raiser to Benefit Grad Nite

The Huntington Beach High School Grad Nite Committee is holding a “marathon bingo” fund-raiser Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the activities center at the high school, 1905 Main St.

Pam Costanzo, public affairs coordinator for the high school’s 1992 Grad Nite, said the bingo is open to the public and neither entrance ticket nor minimum buy-in is required. “All that is charged is $1 per sheet (game),” Costanzo said.

“We’ll be serving a free continental breakfast for players on Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and then that afternoon there will be a free barbecue for players from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,” Costanzo said.

All money raised during the 12 hours of continuous bingo will be used for Huntington Beach High’s Grad Nite party on June 11.

“Grad Nite is a drug- and alcohol-free celebration for graduating seniors,” Costanzo noted. “We’re having a Hawaiian theme for the Huntington Beach High party this year.”

Grad Nite, a concept that began in Orange County and has spread nationwide, involves parents holding a closed, secure party the night of high school graduation. The parties have elaborate decorations, bands, prizes and food.

The California Highway Patrol and other police agencies have praised the Grad Nite concept for reducing accidents and fatalities. The CHP has pointed out that impromptu parties by high school graduates, where they drink and drive around on graduation night, often end in tragedy.

Huntington Beach High has been holding Grad Nite celebrations since 1989.