Darson Schexnayder and Ronnie Aucoin were the big winners in the recent Project Graduation event. 

More than 200 participants arrived for an annual Poker Tournament fundraiser to benefit the 2015 Project Graduation for the Iberia Parish held Saturday.

Project Graduation, which is a charity to benefit graduating seniors in Iberia Parish by providing a safe environment for students, relies on events like the Poker Tournament for funding, said New Iberia High School project graduation director Marian Bienvenu.

“It was an amazing event. I think it was record-breaking. We had about 30 women show up and the parents worked well together,” Bienvenu said.

Four of the 30 women who competed in the tournament placed in the top 20 winners.

Bienvenu, who is in her first — and last — year with the organization, said fundraising for events such as the poker tournament are right up her alley.

“I love it. This is my thing. This is my cup of tea. I love it because we have the best community. I tell everyone all the time that in our community when a student is in need, the community comes together to give their support,” said Bienvenu, whose youngest son will participate in Project Graduation this year.

More than 100 door prizes were given away during the tournament along with 20 player prizes and four last-woman-standing prizes. First place received a $1,500 visa gift card, second place $1,000 Visa gift card and third place $500 Visa gift card.

Darson Schexnayder won first place while Ronnie Aucoin finished second. Lorna Bourg won the honor of the last woman standing by finishing in 12th place overall.

Project Graduation board director April Dugas said planning for the graduation event starts in July and ends in May. Now in its 15th year, the Project Graduation has seen a boost in participation.

“In 1999 there was only one school and it has grown since then,” said Dugas, who has been on the board for close to seven years. 

“Every year they (students) get more and more excited. This first few years we kind of had to explain what it was and now they’re excited to come.”

NISH, Westgate High School, Catholic High and Loreauville High School all participate in the graduation project program. Dugas said there has been 100 percent participation in the smaller school and almost 100 percent participation in the larger schools.

Project Graduation is held four nights for each high school and students have the chance to win prizes and spend a final night with friends, Dugas said.

“I think it’s really important. Its just really that last night they get to spend together. We have games, we have contest and they walk away with a lot of prizes. Just all kinds of stuff. It’s just knowing that they have a safe environment to have fun,” Dugas said.

The Project Graduation events are monitored by parents offering a drug free, alcohol free, and cell phone free night.