From bake sales to raffles to car washes, fundraising is everywhere. Obtaining funds benefits North activities, sports and clubs.

The cost to run a single season of an activity, such as a sports team or a music group, can be substantial. Fundraising is important because it helps to keep down the activity fee for the students involved. 

Cheerleading is an example.

“Cheer is a very expensive sport, so whatever is not covered by fundraising then has to be covered by the athletes and their families,” former North cheer coach Kristin Drake said. “When I was the coach, I did my best to make it as feasible as possible while still giving the team the best opportunities.”

Drake also explained the importance of fundraising to the cheer program. The money earned allows for the sport to occur. Without money, the activity could not afford the things necessary to run it.

“Fall fundraising went to halftime music, end of the season banquet, Camp Jeff, tumbling lessons, bows… deep cleaning of our cheer mats, IHSCCO membership for the program, weight room upkeep  and any miscellaneous fees the program has,” Drake said. 

District 202 subsidizes certain fees for activities such as busing and umpires in baseball; however, fundraising is still vital for activities. For the baseball team, fundraising pays for events that keep the activity enjoyable as well as for necessities that keep the activity running smoothly.

“Our fundraising money helps pay for equipment, field improvements, team meals and team trips,” North baseball coach John Darlington said.

For the North marching band, fundraising is essential as well. It allows for the band to be a part of numerous events that otherwise would not be possible to attend.

“The PNHS band would have not been able to perform at NFL football stadiums, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and travel to various competition sites if we only worked with initial costs to be a part of marching band,” senior marching band member Jesse Arroyo said.

Negative feelings arise for many students at the thought of needing to fundraise which can pose a problem if an organization needs money. Junior Chase Bell, a member of indoor percussion, a District 202 percussion marching ensemble, points out that raising funds is not as bad as it seems.

“Last year for indoor percussion, we were asked to go to local businesses looking for sponsorships,” Bell said. “I instantly felt worried and not responsible for it… I didn’t end up asking anyone that year. This year, I got out of my comfort zone and, although it felt like it would be a tedious and scary process, the people cared about what I said and some ended up giving us money.”

Fundraising can be a beneficial experience for other than a monetary reason. For example, cross country hosts a fundraiser where participants gain practice time while simultaneously raising money for their team.

“Since we run, we decided that we should use our skills,” North girls cross country coach Tammy Gummerson said. “We choose the Saturday before our first meet… and run for one hour… Then we have a parent meeting and breakfast.  The girls have all summer [beforehand] to get pledges- flat rate or per mile… Parents come to cheer on the girls and the coaches hop in as well.”

Aside from benefiting an organization with the money it gains, fundraising can also create memorable experiences for students that benefit them beyond high school. As adults, people often have to work with individuals who they do not know well, and fundraising can prepare students for that experience. 

“What I like about fundraising is that it can force you outside of your comfort zone,”  Arroyo said. “Not much money would be raised if I were to only interact with people I knew. I loved running, jumping and yelling on the side of Route 30 to promote the marching band fundraising car wash.”

Fundraisers can also create better bonds between individuals in an activity, which improves the organization as a whole.

“I’ve done three band car washes, and each time, it’s a good refresher,” Bell said. “You get to see your friends outside of work, since band camp is like work. You get to have fun – you can spray other people – and you get to make money doing it.”

The need for fundraising is essential to the success of many activities, and with the right attitude, it can be fun and rewarding.

“Fundraisers create opportunities for organizations to have teamwork within their peers,” Arroyo said. “Because of teamwork, fundraising is enjoyable for organizations. ”