Band director Tenell Moore shares his passion for music every day with students in New Orleans. And even though funds are sometimes tight, he’s able to achieve his goal with what he calls The Best Band Fundraiser Around.
For a number of years, Mr. Moore has hosted a Journey of Faith Candle fundraiser at the beginning of school to offer scholarships that offset band fees at ReNEW SciTech Academy.
Sometimes, he hosts a second candle fundraiser in the same school year to cover things like uniform hats and capes, annual band trips, or award ceremonies.
“This program got me out of a lot of financial binds!” Tenell laughed. “I had tried other types of fundraisers. Nothing came close to being this successful.”
Fundraisers he tried included pizza or coupon cards for example. He said the other schools in his area were doing the same thing and people didn’t want to buy another coupon card. The local pizza location offered discounts so similar to the fundraiser, people didn’t see the point.
Tenell got started with the Journey of Faith Candle fundraiser from a discussion with a band mom. He was expressing how he really needed to raise fast money for the end-of-year awards ceremony and other fundraisers just weren’t working for him. She suggested Journey of Faith Candles because it had been successful for her church. “The candles can sell themselves,” Moore remembers the mom telling him
“At first I was skeptical,” he admitted. “But it was different than the other fundraisers. And, everything is prepped, presentable, and ready to roll.”
The band raised $2,000 in a very short time-frame – two weeks – and Mr. Moore and the band got their awards ceremony.
“They gave tips on how to say all the right things. We just ran with it. They pretty much sell themselves and shipping is quick.”
Students and parents work together to sell the candles to teachers, family, friends, neighbors, and workplaces. Incentives (free candles) are offered as sales rewards. Tenell remembers one fifth-grader who sold $500 worth of candles.
“He’s one of those real personable kids,” he smiled.
If you need an easy way to raise money fast for your program with no upfront cost, free marketing materials, and free shipping, sign up for a candle fundraiser now on the website or call 1-866-874-8383. Check out our other band fundraising ideas.