RHS Band 2nd Annual M.A.R.C.H. Fundraiser

Roswell High School band and guard students are working to raise funds for their band program and give back to their local community. In a few weeks, they will participate in the second annual M.A.R.C.H. fundraiser, which champions “Musicians Acting with Responsibility, Compassion, and Hard work”. Last year the students raised more than any other fundraiser in RHS band history and contributed over 600-man hours to the Roswell community. Chuck Douglas, Site Coordinator for Smith Plantation commented, “The kids and the leaders worked so hard – I really appreciate the work – the woodland trail was totally completed on Saturday – it is a project I have been trying to get done for many years and to get it all done in a day is just incredible!”

The band program at Roswell High School, as well as other local high schools, is only partially funded by the county. The lion’s share of the cost to operate the in-class band, marching band, competitions, color guard, indoor drum line, and any band trips falls to the parents and parent organized booster associations. This fundraiser is designed to empower the students to take ownership of their band program as well as connect in their community through service. “I borrowed the concept for this fundraiser from a high-school ministry I used to work for in Barrington, Illinois. We would raise all the operational funds, apart from salaries, from a similar community service day. It became a fun tradition that the kids looked forward to every year and it helped instill a love of community for those students.” says Mark Herring Co-President of the Roswell High School Band Boosters.

In the past, fundraising fell to the parents and generally featured a variety of product sales, including items such as cookies, candles, or popcorn. Not only are product-based fundraisers exhausting for parents and students, but once the product company is paid for the goods, there is little left for the band program. “We’ve found that people are much more generous and willing to donate monies if nearly all of it goes to the program and students. Additionally, donors are equally motivated by the fact that it has an impact in the local community. It’s a win/win for everyone and it’s tax deductible!” said Mark Herring.

The students raise support for their work day by soliciting donations from friends, family, even local businesses. The money they raise also garners incentives for the students such as a t-shirt, free food at the home football game, gift cards, season passes to Six Flags, and much more. The students are trying to raise a minimum of $400 each and will participate in a work day on Saturday March 16th at various sites around North Fulton including Chattahoochee River Keeper, National Park Service, North Fulton Community Charities and others. “I was very happy with the outcome and appreciated everyone’s positive attitude throughout the day. It was a pleasure working with your school and I look forward to future events.” said Dave Thomas, National Park Service

“Music is a universal language, and we all have a universal love for Roswell. The kids are our future leaders and a part of this community. We want to empower them through this community service project” said Michael Dal Cerro – Co-President Roswell High School Band Boosters

To make a tax-deductible donation, text “RHSband” to 779-77 or go to https://pushpay.com/pay/roswellband?a=40&f[0]=MARCH

Roswell High School Booster Association is a 501[c][3] charitable organization run by volunteers serving the students of the Roswell High School Band programs

If you would like more information about this topic, please email Mark Herring at president@roswellband.com