What started as a school fundraiser, has now blossomed into an entire community event.

Portage Collegiate's Grad Tea was yesterday, and Principal Gregg Waldvogel says it's amazing how much the event has grown.

"Every year it amazes me how many people turn out. I guess it's more of a community event now for the school, and it's a tradition that's been on for a lot of years. For the grad to help and work at it is great, and basically this Grad Tea funds our grad weekend at the PCU. It's been an awesome afternoon, great turn out and great job by the grads."

Student Council President Kaeley Simpson says it took a lot of work to get the entire event set up and ready.

Simpson (right) poses with a friend at Grad Tea

"Well, it is a huge event, so obviously there's been a lot of work that's put into it. From the decorations, to the entertainment, to the silent auction, it's just been a lot of work. So it's really great to see such a great turn out, all of us -- there's been guys, girls, teachers, everyone helping -- so it's been really awesome."

Live entertainment, a bake sale, and silent auction were a few of the great ways PCI Grads were trying to raise money. Organization and Prize Coordinator Shae Carriere says it's really special event for Portage.

"That's something really cool, and really unique to Portage. I know a lot of my friends from Winnipeg, they don't do this type of thing where they have -- I mean if a school from Winnipeg tried to have a tea for the whole city that would be a little insane -- but it's something cool and unique that Portage itself gets to participate in, and I'm very happy that the majority of the town does come out."

Totals raised from the event should be available during the week, but Simpson and Carriere both feel the event raised a lot for their grad weekend.