WHAT IS REHEARSE-A-THON?

Rehearse-a-thon is a fundraiser for ALL Regimental Band and Pageantry students. Money, collected as sponsorships, will be credited to your individual student account. It can be used to pay for program-related expenses, such as band and guard pledges, trips, and other extras like Winter Guard or Winter Drumline. All checks should be collected prior to, or on the Rehearse-a-thon date, Saturday, September 23rd.

The first step to raising money is establishing a goal for the amount of money you hope to raise. Our suggested individual goal for everyone is $400.00. You can contact family members, friends, neighbors, your parents’ associates, local business owners you may know, etc. We'll provide you with a printed copy of a sample letter, but you can also click on the Rehearse-a-thon 'Sponsor Letter' button on our website atwww.vistaband.org and use it to copy, personalize, and send to potential donors.

People will give more willingly if they understand the purpose of the donation and your level of involvement in this program. Tell them Rehearse-a-thon is six hours of learning, practicing and perfecting your field show. It's a great example of students demonstrating their commitment to excellence and quality. Explain money collected from this fundraiser will help offset expenses not covered by school district funding.

Place your checks and tally sheet in the large envelope we have provided, labeled with your student's name. Your envelope and its contents should be turned in on the day of Rehearse-a-thon.

Ways to Donate!

Check made out to VHS Band Boosters, Venmo: @VistaHSBand-Tresearuer or the band's website at www.vistaband.org. Just click on the 'DONATE' on the top right of the page. Just be sure to tell them to include your student's name, and that it's for Rehearse-a-thon in the comments.

A sample donor letter (Eng/Sp) and a tally sheet to keep track of your donations. Record the name of each sponsor and the amount given on the tally sheet.

Please consolidate any cash sponsorships and have your parent(s) write one check for that amount.

REMEMBER: 100% commitment from all - the money you collect goes straight into your personal account!

STRATEGIES

Always introduce yourself as a member of the Vista High School Regimental Band and Pageantry Corps. Explain you are raising funds for costs associated with the program and emphasize your goal, for example, to raise $400.00.

Next, explain the Fundraiser.

You are seeking sponsors for the REHEARSE-A-THON – a six-hour event of practicing music to perform your fall marching show – and you hope sponsors will be willing to contribute either a flat donation or from $1 to $10.00 per hour. Since the time is fixed, you should collect the money at the time of the pledge. Explain that you can provide them with a tax receipt if requested after completion of the Rehearse-a-thon.

THIS FUNDRAISER WORKS, but YOU must make the effort!

It is entirely possible to raise $300 to $400 with this fundraiser. There are a number of ways to get in front of people who may be willing to offer their support:

• Post on social media

• Family and friends – perhaps your best bet

• Local merchants – dentist, doctor, banker, tire dealer, car dealer, insurance

  agent, music store, music teacher(s), restaurant owners, shoe stores, etc.

• Coaches, group leaders

• Church communities

• Your parents’ workplace – don’t neglect this, it works!

• Teachers and office staff at VHS or your Middle School

• Out of town relatives and friends via email

  Never underestimate the power of the arts and music in peoples' lives. The commitment you have made to this program is admirable and pride-worthy. Many people will be happy to support your efforts if you give them the chance!