Cumberland Farms Raising Funds for Connecticut High School

NAUGATUCK, Conn. -- In conjunction with its newest store grand opening, Cumberland Farms is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Naugatuck High School Grad Nite, the Naugatuck Patch reported.

During the course of the month-long fundraiser, the convenience store chain will donate 20 cents from every Chill Zone beverage and cup of coffee (iced and hot) purchased at its new 69 Rubber Ave. store to benefit the school's annual event. Grad Nite offers graduates the opportunity to celebrate together in a safe, adult-supervised setting, free from drugs and alcohol. The evening includes entertainment, dancing, swimming, games, contests and prizes.

Cumberland Farms aims to raise at least $1,000 for the program, the report stated.

"Grad Nite is offered to all graduating seniors free of charge on the night of graduation," said Mary Johnson, the fundraising chairman. "The graduates arrive before midnight and stay until six in the morning. Every graduate goes home with a bag of gifts and many win raffles and gift cards. The total cost of the event is over $25,000, but the smiles, laughter and safety of the graduates are priceless."

Ari Haseotes, president of Cumberland Farms Retail Division, added: "We know how excited the graduates are to celebrate with friends and family. We are extremely happy to help make Grad Nite a safe and special evening for the seniors of Naugatuck High School."

In the last year, Cumberland Farms has donated more than $100,000 to support local schools and students in communities across the Northeast, according to the newspaper.