It was also a way to give back and contribute to something he didn't have when he attended Roanoke Rapids High School — Project Graduation.

“It's a good project,” he said after making an arrest in today's Jail and Bail fundraiser. “I wish we had this when I was growing up.”

The first major fundraiser of the year for the 2014 Project Graduation, the event started with $3,000 before the first arrests began this morning at 9 a.m. As of late this afternoon more than $7,500 had been raised.

In the slammer.

“It's been well-received,” said Jodie Barrett, one of the parent organizers of this year's Project Graduation, which provides an alcohol and drug-free post-graduation party at the T.J. Davis Recreation Center.

Barrett was hopeful that a third of the $30,000 goal could be raised through the Jail and Bail project, which will continue tonight during the halftime of Roanoke Rapids' homecoming game as the school's athletic director, Todd Seymour, is locked up and must raise money for bail. He must raise $500 for bail and Gene Minton of Drugco and Robert Neville of Ben's Creek Nursery have pledged $500 this evening.

Barrett said the next fundraiser for Project Graduation is a yard sale and hot dog lunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 2 at the high school by the cafeteria.

A battle of the bands fundraiser is planned for the spring.

Counting collection money.

Dee Dee Jones, a Roanoke Rapids senior, was taking photos for the year book this morning. “I think it's a really good idea. It's a drug-free event and it's a fun and exciting way to be with your friends.”

Jan Tugwell, a teacher at the school, was one of the arrestees this morning and was on her cell phone trying to raise bail money. “I can't think of any better cause to make sure our seniors are safe. Ninety to 95 percent of the seniors attend it. It keeps our seniors safe that night.”

For more information about Project Graduation or upcoming fundraisers, contact Barrett at 252-536-6887; Treva Neville at 252-532-1516 or Wendy Arthur at 252-532-4150.