OV Cup raises money for 'Project Graduation'

ORO VALLEY, AZ (Tucson News Now) - An annual golf tournament in Oro Valley that raises money for a program to keep high school seniors out of trouble and the community safe, kicks off on Friday, Feb. 5.

Now in its 13th year, the Oro Valley Cup is the largest fundraiser for Project Graduation, a drug-free and alcohol-free party for more than 1,000 Amphitheater Public School seniors.

Once the formal graduation ceremonies are over, students can enjoy casino-like games, carnival activities, and a dance party. See Canyon del Oro High School's 2015 Project Graduation night here.

Last year, the tournament raised a total of about $33,000 which was split evenly between the district's three high schools: Canyon del Oro, Amphitheater, and Ironwood Ridge.

According to a 2015 youth risk behavior survey by the Department of Education, 51 percent of Arizona 12th graders report they drink alcohol.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 1,000 children die each year in alcohol-related tragedies while celebrating their high school proms and graduations.

"Since 2004, "Project Grad" celebrations have kept some 12,000 graduating high school seniors from Amphitheater schools off the streets in a safe and sober environment on graduation night," the district reported in a news release.

The Oro Valley Cup takes place at the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center located at 10555 N. La Cañada Drive at 12:30 p.m. Town of Oro Valley leaders and members from the Pima County Attorney's Office will be participating.

If you want to play, you can register the morning of the golf tournament. Visit http://ovcup.com/ for more info.

You don't have to participate in the golf tournament to donate money to "Project Grad." contact Jim Miller at ovcup@yahoo.com for more on how.