Grad Nite poker run draws colorful crowd

A healthy dose of runners flocked to the Churchill County Fairgrounds on Saturday.

A total of 134 participants came in support of Grad Nite for the St. Paddy’s Day 5K Poker Run, which raised $2,609 for the annual graduation event at Naval Air Station Fallon.

“I think it went great,” event organizer Renee Thurston said. “I was surprised and pleased with the support.”

Grad Nite has had a successful run the past two weeks in fundraising. On March 7, the group raised about $1,200 from the “Battle of the Bench” and Saturday’s run brought the two-week haul to more than $3,800.

Many runners were decked out in colorful costumes in support of Grad Nite and St. Patrick’s Day. Some even dressed up their dogs.

Thurston, whose daughter Lyndsey is a Churchill County High School senior, said the good weather was a factor for the influx of participants.

“The weather was fantastic,” Renee Thurston said. “Fallon pulled together and I’m very appreciative.”

Although the two events provided a nice payday, Grad Nite organizers are still working to secure enough funds to put on a successful event. The annual party at NAS Fallon provides graduates with a safe and sober night of fun filled with games, prizes and more.

Thurston said the group’s next fundraiser is from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday with a garbage pickup. Volunteers will work for the city of Fallon for minimum wage and pick up trash around the perimeter of the landfill.

In addition, the group is attempting to organize a golf tournament at the Fallon Golf Course, a rummage sale in May and proceeds from the Spring Fling dance at CCHS April 12 will benefit Grad Nite.