Organizers of Operation Graduation in Dolores are planning a safe, substance-free celebration for this year’s seniors, including a chartered bus trip to Bananas Fun Park in Grand Junction for an overnight “lock-in” event.
Staci Cost, treasurer of Operation Graduation, said last year’s trip to Bananas was a success.
The community-sponsored program works with the Dolores Rotary Club to host fundraisers such as bingo to support the annual celebration. The Rotary Club will host a bingo night Saturday at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. The evening begins with a chili and soup dinner for $5 from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by bingo at 6 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10 per card. A dessert auction will take place between rounds.
All proceeds will go toward Operation Graduation’s class of 2026. The group aims to raise $10,000 for venue rental, high-end prizes and monetary awards meant to boost senior participation.
In previous years, seniors have been “locked in” at locations including the Cortez Recreation Center and the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.
Operation Graduation provides a safe alternative to parties where drugs and alcohol may be present, Cost said. The event helps prevent injuries, accidents and other tragedies that can occur around graduation night.
