Hello families! As always, I hope this email finds you well. We are so close to Spring Break, and we are in the middle of our important, once-yearly fundraiser! Hopefully, your student has brought home all the information.
I understand that fundraising is not always the most exciting event. But I cannot begin to explain how vital it is to the success of our program. Riverside has an amazing music program – one of the best in the state – much of which is due to the excellent teaching your children receive, the music they are provided, and the equipment available for use. This is all provided through the efforts of our once-yearly fundraiser. (Additionally, we were not able to do a fundraiser last year due to Covid, so this is our first since 2019.) The funds raised go directly to benefit the students:
- Multiple daily 6th grade teachers (can you imagine the learning your child would have received if it was just me with 100+ students?)
- Sectional coaches for junior high
- New music to play (each individual piece of music ranges from $30 to $60)
- Quality instruments and repairs, along with in-class supplies and accessories
- Expense help for trips
- Registration for events like ISSMA Contest
- Guest musicians and artists, virtual concerts, and more
This is what the fundraiser provides your students on a daily basis. It is the expectation of the music program that all families will participate, as all students benefit.
I am truly grateful for all the participation and hard work students and families put in to raising money; it is not lost on me. Every year, I am humbled by the support shown from this community. I do want to mention that we receive 50% of each item sold; the brochures say 40%, but our profit margin is higher.
The brochures are due back to Riverside on Thursday, April 1st. They can be brought in beforehand, or dropped off on that day. Students can even take a quality PDF scan (NOT a photo) and email it to me, though the real version is preferred. The online fundraiser sales, however, will continue through Spring Break. This gives students more time if they would like (If you child is committed to selling item over break from the physical brochure, they can communicate with me, and we will work out an agreement.)
For virtual students, all of the forms are available on Canvas in PDF form. These can be emailed directly to family members or friends, or printed out. There are also hard copies of the packet available in the Main Office at any time.
We are NOT encouraging students to go door-to-door this year, due to Covid. This was explicitly told to students today. I encouraged them to find other ways to talk to family and friends, coworkers, clubs, and more, and show them the brochures.
There is also an online version of the fundraiser. Students can set up a profile and send formatted emails to family and friends. The online fundraiser can be found here: http://www.centuryresources.com/shop/index.aspx
Our Group Number is 35726. Be sure to enter your student’s full name, and where it asks for a student grade, put the name of your child’s orchestra. Then select “Save Student Information and Shop.” This will ensure your student receives credit for the sale! Items sold through the online shop get shipped directly to the customer, so this is great for friends and family who are out of town!
Three FAQs:
- I have had some families ask if they can just provide a donation instead, or if community members can do as such. Yes, that is more than fine; I will absolutely accept donations. If you are choosing to make a donation in place of participation, I won’t set a minimum amount, but I would ask that you consider what the funds raised from sold items would be.
- NO money is due now. Money will be collected when students deliver items in April. At that time, checks will be made to Riverside JH (even 6th grade).
- If someone is insistent on paying now, or doesn’t want to exchange cash/check due to Covid, there is a credit card option. There is a QR code on the last page of each brochure. Customers can scan that code and place/pay for their order from there. If a customer does this, do NOT write their order on the form as well! The item will still be delivered to RJH for you to pick up and deliver to them.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do let me know. I am so appreciative of all you do to support this orchestra program.