By J. Metje

“There is no possible way we can afford everything we need for the program without fundraising.” -Orchestra Director Paige Mundhenke-Lewis

An extraordinary number of groups, teams, organizations and clubs exist at BSHS, including band, choir, orchestra, theatre program, debate and forensics, NHS, football, baseball, soccer, volleyball, golf, tennis…and more. It is therefore not surprising that most BSHS student groups must fundraise to subsidize their budgets provided by the district.

As orchestra director, Paige Mundhenke-Lewis views fundraising as a necessary evil.

“There is no possible way we can afford everything we need for the program without fundraising,” she said.

From waiting tables to hawking items in the hallway, fundraising can take many forms.

“I sold suckers to pay off my forensics fees,” junior Hailey Walker said. “I had to raise $100, which is a lot of money. It taught me how important being able to fundraise is.”

There are many other things being sold to raise money for programs.

“We’ve done many different kind of fundraising,” Mundhenke-Lewis said. “50/50 raffles, bake sales, sonic drive-in tip collection, clothing and household item drives and coupon cards for eating establishments.”

The amount raised can vary depending on the fundraising goal. For Walker, the sum was $100. For the orchestra, when students have to raise money to go on the spring trip, the amount is much higher.

“[We raise] generally between $1000-$2000. However, much of that money goes towards student trips.”

The orchestra is not the only organization that fundraises for trips.

“Most of us are fundraising for our trip to New York,” said senior Michaela Edson, a member of the choir program.

Be it candy bars, suckers, coupon books, t-shirts, or tickets, every group at BSHS has to fundraise. Students will be roaming the halls all year looking for someone with some change on hand to sell to. Keep your eye out for opportunities to help.