The Auburn High School Grad Night Committee held its first major fundraiser, a dodgeball tournament, on Nov. 10.

With 29 teams, more than 200 players and another 100-plus spectators, the tournament was a huge success measured on the financial and fun scales.

The event raised more than $2,000.

“As we sat around brainstorming ideas for fundraising, we really wanted to offer something to the community that was outside the norm,” said Gene Jackson, Auburn High School Grad Night fundraising chairman. “(We wanted) something that all ages could participate in and an event that would be entertaining to both participants and spectators.”

With four games going on simultaneously for four consecutive hours, the evening was fast paced. As the evening progressed, more and more teams fell by the wayside. When the final ball was thrown, three teams stood victorious. The winning junior high team was Bulldogs #1. Dacreamada Crop survived the heavily contested high school division. Reality Sports took the adult/open division.

Team Old School edged Team Johnson for the most creative team uniform.

Baden Sports of Federal Way donated dodgeballs.

Added Joel Johnson, the AHS 2010 Grad Night chairman: “Each year a group of volunteer parents get-together to sponsor an annual grad night celebration for our graduating seniors. This event takes place the night of graduation. Our hope is to create an alcohol-and-drug-free way for the graduates to celebrate, keeping both our youth and community safe.”