Where We Started

In 1990, James Anderson, an 18-year-old graduate planning to joining the U.S. Marines, was killed in a tragic car accident after hitching a ride with a former classmate after a party. The 20-year-old former classmate was later sentenced to six years in prison for crashing his car into a power pole outside of Fillmore while under the influence, killing Anderson. 

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A year later, in 1991, Raelene Chaney co-founded what was Grad Nite Love (GNL). The purpose of GNL was to have Fillmore students celebrate a safe, sober, and fun graduation experience.  Raelene and her husband, Bob, along with several Fillmore residents, worked with local business for donations. The nonprofit organization ran for over 26 years, until Mrs. Cheney's health took a turn and she could no longer run the event. With the support of Fillmore District Safe Graduation, Grad Nite Live Cruise returned in 2023 and continues to be a great success.