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, Tenell has hosted a Journey of Faith Candles fundraiser at the beginning of every school year 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.
“The candles can sell themselves,” Tenell remembered a band mom telling him. He had expressed to her that other fundraisers weren’t working but he really needed to raise fast money for the end-of-year awards ceremony. She suggested Journey of Faith Candles because it had been successful for her church.
“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 Tenell and the band got their awards ceremony.
“They gave tips on how to say all the right things,” Tenell remembered. “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.
