Published: May 13, 2009 09:30 pm      

5 Point to BC students: Party on!

Credit union to donate $10K to BCHS Project Graduation

NEDERLAND — 5 Point Credit Union will be the guest of honor Friday morning at Bridge City High School, during a ceremony where the banking institution will present a $10,000 check for the school’s Project Graduation.

President/CEO Erik Shaw said the Nederland-based credit union has been looking for a really big way to help out the community since Hurricane Ike came through Southeast Texas last September. Shaw says he learned the senior class was in danger of not having a Project Graduation at all during an evening news story this week.

“We heard this and thought it would be a really great opportunity and a great cause,” Shaw said. “What better way to give back to the community than to give the kids some place to go on graduation night.”

John Gauthier, 2009 Bridge City Project Graduation president, said it was very hard to explain his feelings when the credit union contacted him about their donation plans.

“This is a huge boost to our funds,” Gauthier said. “I was probably speechless, which is really hard for me. This just goes to show that the community will respond if you let them know what your situation is.”

“5 Point definitely went above and beyond here.”

Just two weeks ago, Gauthier said, having a Project Graduation celebration seemed impossible due to low funds. There was just enough money to fund a few of the normal games and activities that go on throughout the night.

“But we didn’t have any money for prizes,” Gauthier said. “And we only had 10 door prizes. Which is why 5 Point coming through like they did is so huge — this gives the kids something they really deserve.”

The presentation will be at 10 a.m. in front of Bridge City High School Friday morning, with members of the BCISD school board and representatives from 5 Point Credit Union to be present.

“We certainly understand what they’re going through,” Shaw said. “With this donation, they’ll definitely be able to roll on with their activities.”