SANDPOINT — Friday's Grad Night fundraiser is going to celebrate "Red, White and Bulldogs" as the Sandpoint High School Grad Night committee is bringing about a return of the annual banquet and auction.

The event, set for Friday, Aug. 25, will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at the Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St. The fundraiser will feature an evening of fine dining and drinks, dessert raffles, door prizes, live music and a silent and live auction. 

The banquet features an eight-course buffet-style meal courtesy of master chef Jeff McGee with Madison Farm Venue with special guest head chef Junior Solis. The menu includes bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, strawberry cucumber salad, garden salad, seared chicken with white wine sauce, chicken alfredo and vegetable sides. Locally crafted deserts will be offered as part of a raffle.

The cost is $70 per person.

Elite tables, which include 10 dinner and premium drink vouchers, unlimited standard beverages, 50 "quad-raffle" tickets, 10 door prize tickets and two shout-outs during the event. Only five elite table packages are available.

In addition, 150 single admission tickets will be sold to the banquet. Each ticket includes a dinner voucher, unlimited standard beverages with the option to add up to four premium drink vouchers, door prize tickets and "buy it now" dessert tickets.

Proceeds from the event will go toward Sandpoint High School's annual Grad Night celebration.

"Grad Night is a spectacular, one of its kind, locally funded and organized alcohol and drug free celebration immediately following our high school graduation ceremony," organizers said. "We hope to reach half of our fundraising goal from this night of our community coming together to show their physical and financial support for the next generation of local community members. In return, these young adults will know what businesses to support back, and individuals to show appreciation to when given the opportunity."

Since 1974, Sandpoint High School parents have been organizing a Grad Night event to provide a safe, sober and memorable capstone to SHS graduates. The party sends "a clear message to all graduates that we care about them, their safety, and future."

Funds go toward gifts to each senior attendee — items that give them an edge on embarking out into the "real world." Past items include laptops, bicycles, mini-fridges and gas cards. 

"Grad Night is a significant commitment by parents, Sandpoint High School, and the community to provide a life-changing, one-of-its kind, fulfilling experience," organizers said.

For more information about the banquet, go to bit.ly/3EoLEXa.