Auctions are a hallmark of fundraisers, but how about auctioning services instead of things?

Waterford High School seniors are slated to auction off their talents to lucky bidders at Clark Lane Middle School from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Funds raised go to Safe Grad Night, a night of drug- and alcohol-free fun for seniors the night of graduation.

Senior Lexi Moger, 17, plans to offer tennis and volleyball classes at the auction. Moger was captain of the high school's varsity volleyball team in the fall and is now captain of the varsity tennis team.

"I figured I want the best grad night possible, so I figured I may as well do something," she said.

Greg Larson sits on the Safe Grad Night Committee, which is made up of parents of Waterford High seniors. He says he borrowed the idea for auctioning student services from the high school his older son attended in Madison.

He estimates that 50 to 75 students will ultimately participate in the auctioning of 25 to 50 "live things" such as musical performances, babysitting, and photography sessions.

The live auction is in its inaugural year, but grad night is almost three decades old, according to Committee Chairman Patty Heenan.

The event typically draws the majority of graduating seniors, she said. Of the 202 students graduating this year, Heenan says she expects at least 175 will opt in for the free overnight festivities.

The committee hopes to raise at least $5,000 at the auction, which also includes a silent auction of goods donated by local businesses. The total cost of grad night runs at about $20,000.

"We're hoping that this fundraiser will put us over the top so we have enough money for the facility," said Heenan.

The committee has not announced the location of that facility. Grad night activities are kept secret from students until they arrive at the party.

T.TOWNSEND@THEDAY.COM