San Lorenzo Valley High School’s Grad Night committee is nearing its fundraising goal to pay for one of the school’s most important events of the year, the Safe and Sober Grad Night. The final major fundraiser will be a Wine and Chocolate Tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. April 16 at Bruno’s Barbecue, 230 Mount Hermon Road, Ste. G, in Scotts Valley.

“It’s a huge undertaking for the parents,” said Dave Wood, whose wife, Lori Wood, leads fundraising for the committee.

As of last week, the committee had raised about $25,000 toward its goal of roughly $30,000, which will pay for a complete makeover of the school’s campus in preparation for graduation June 10.

Grad night, which runs from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m., is a final hurrah for high school seniors. They have a chance to play casino games, swim, climb rock walls, joust, sumo wrestle, listen to music, eat and more during a party that’s free of drugs and alcohol.

Each year, the party has a theme that is kept secret until the grads show up for the evening’s events.

The tradition has gone on for decades, Wood said, and the community is a big part of its success each year. The upcoming wine tasting will feature a silent auction, too, with items including skiing, plumbing services, car services, artwork, spa treatment and more.

“I’ve been struck by how many companies donated for the auction,” Wood said. “It’s really cool to have so much community support.”

Tickets are $15.

For information: Lori Wood, 338-9792 or lorigwood@aol.com.