Project Graduation’s biggest fundraiser of the year will be held this weekend and volunteers hope to put a big dent in the $12,000 bill it takes to run the popular end-of-the-school-year program.

Project Graduation is an event that provides a safe environment for students who just graduated from Cinnaminson High School. Held overnight after graduation, students see it as one last hurrah with their classmates, free of drugs and drinking.

“It’s so kids can blow off a little steam,” said Stephen Kenney, president of the Cinnaminson High School Home & School Association that sponsors the event. “Basically, it keeps the kids active. They have one last blowout session together. There’s a lot of bonding and farewell.”

Project Graduation boasts food, music, basketball courts, a swimming pool, Tarot card readers, a caricaturist, games and so much more at the Burlington County Special Services School District building. About $12,000 is need each for use of the facilities and all the outside entertainment.

At freshmen orientation, Kenney said he tells parents fundraising starts today for your kids, who will graduation in four years. Dozens of parent volunteers help throughout the school year with fundraisers and other money-raising efforts for the big event.

The new fundraiser this year is a bowling/auction to be held at Pinsetter Bar & Bowl in Merchantville Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. An auction will also be held with all donations going toward Project Graduation.

“We hired out all the lanes, got some food, some music, some entertainment,” said Kenney. “We’re looking for parents and families to come out and have a great time, and raise a substantial chuck for graduation.”

Terese Campbell is also on the HSA and heads up efforts for Project Graduation. Kenney said Campbell has dozens of subcommittees who work throughout the year.

“It’s quite a formidable task,” he said.

Those interested in Sunday’s bowling event can contact Campbell at terese.campbell@comcast.net.