RESERVE — Demetria Carter expected the East St. John Alumni Reunion Tailgate would expand over time, but she never could have anticipated the exponential growth the annual event would see in just three years.

The Inaugural Alumni Tailgate brought an impressive 792 classmates home to East St. John, raising approximately $20,000 from $25 entry fees. In 2018, more than 1,000 alumni participated.

A rainout game didn’t stop the 2019 tailgate on Oct. 11, attended by more than 1,700 alumni representing 50 graduation classes. At least $43,000 was raised through pre-purchased tickets.

Proceeds will be used to fund numerous scholarships for students graduating in May, according to Carter. More than $20,000 in scholarships were awarded to 2019 graduates using last year’s tailgate proceeds.

At least $8,000 of this year’s proceeds will go to East St. John’s Athletic Department, and towards more projects in the works.

“We really emphasize that it’s a party with a purpose,” Carter said. “It’s growing by almost 40, 50 percent each time. We’re excited about everybody buying into the vision.”

Alumni Association member Melanie Burl said alumni from Leon Godchaux and Fifth Ward were invited to participate in the tailgate action. The event turnout represented graduates from 1972 all the way through the fresh-out-of-high school Class of 2019.

Classes purchased or designed T-shirts, many of which included a tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Class of 2006 won the Spirit Award for the second year in a row for enrolling more than 100 members before Sept. 30.

Burl said many classmates traveled from Florida, California, Texas and other out-of-state locations to attend the function. Many who couldn’t make it out donated to the cause.

“It’s almost like going through your yearbook because you get to see all of these people all in one spot,” Burl said.

She said the annual tailgate facilitates a community spirit and gathering of old friends.

“If you think about 50 classes planning for their tailgate, that’s 50 sets of people meeting because our date,” Burl said. “It spreads throughout St. John.”

Even after rain postponed the East St. John game after the end of the first half, many alumni stayed out under tents and kept the fun going until 10 p.m.

Carter said it’s a special event for those who grew up without technology and only saw their childhood friends once a decade.

“Everyone was enjoying the moment with people they haven’t seen in five, 10, 15, 20 years,” Carter said. “Especially for my generation and the older generation that didn’t grow up with cell phones. We didn’t keep in touch with classmates through Facebook and Snapchat and Twitter. Prior to this, we didn’t see each other until that 10-year reunion. Now we have a chance to see each other every year.”

East St. John Alumni Association members have a strong sense of pride in their alma mater. In addition to awarding scholarships, members have also spearheaded two school clean up days to ensure current students have a great learning environment.

The East St. John Alumni Association is hosting a Winter Formal tentatively scheduled for Dec. 28. Proceeds from the Winter Formal will support student organizations and athletics at East St. John in a grant-based format.

Groups ranging from Beta Club to band, cross country and volleyball will have an opportunity to apply for alumni funding.

For more information, visit ESJalumni Reunion on Facebook.