Greenfield Council awards $8,500 to school’s sober‑grad committee

Greenfield — The City Council on March 26 approved an $8,500 donation to the Greenfield High School class of 2024 sober‑grad committee to support an alcohol‑free all‑night celebration for graduating seniors.

Committee chair Stephanie Garcia and fundraiser Jessica Bautista described a grassroots fundraising campaign, collaborations with local businesses and partner groups, and a push to formalize the group’s nonprofit and tax‑exempt status. The committee reported more than $10,000 raised at the meeting and outlined planned fundraising (a Jamba Juice sale on campus and other local drives). The committee’s goal is $20,000 to cover entertainment, food, raffle prizes and commemorative items for seniors.

Mayor and councilors asked procedural questions about nonprofit status and previous city donations; city counsel confirmed the city may donate to organizations that serve a public purpose even if tax‑exempt paperwork is pending. Councilmembers debated amount and history of previous contributions; the motion ultimately approved $8,500 after amendment and voice vote.

Why it matters: Sober‑grad events aim to reduce alcohol‑ and drug‑related harm on a high‑risk night for teens by providing supervised alternatives. The committee said the event expects roughly 120 attendees based on prior years and will charge a $10 RSVP fee to help cover costs.

What’s next: The committee will continue fundraising, coordinate logistics with school staff, and report back on final attendance and expenditures.