
For Students, By Students
The Portledge Press
Black Student Union:
Fundraising Successes
By Rondell Rabsatt and Kennedy Abrahams
Many clubs at Portledge have had different ideas for raising money for their group, as well as how to spend that money. An example of a club that demonstrates unique qualities and provides inspiration for the fundraising process is the Black Student Union (BSU). In an exclusive interview with BSU, we got the inside scoop on how the club achieved great success this year.
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With BSU’s methods, the club has raised over 1000 dollars with only two bake sales the entire year, which can be delegated to various activities and investments within the club, such as making merch, going on field trips, and having movie nights. Specific strategies that resulted in the club’s fundraising success included using homemade goods to impress customers and capitalizing on popular goods that have sold out quickly in the past, such as sugar cookies, donuts, and cake pops. Building on past success, clubs can also introduce different themes and types of food sales for others to explore. In fact, members of the Black Student Union, including current BSU Vice-President Chelsea Hollingsworth, wanted to do a soul food sale this year, stating that “It’s important to diversify the community by exposing new foods to the school.” Unfortunately, this idea could not become a reality due to technical issues, including concerns that the food would get cold during the sale. To compromise, the club had a soul food lunch during Black History Month.
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Of course, fundraisers are not just about making money for the club but also helping support those in need. This year, BSU funds were sent to an organization in Haiti to assist an underprivileged school. During a conducted interview, current BSU President, Joie Jean-Paul, described how she went on a trip to Haiti in the fourth grade, and visited the St. Paul School - a school that her grandmother attended and donated supplies to. Now, Joie and the club have reached out to the school to send money to build a computer lab. “We take it for granted, as kids at the school are using old computers to work,” says Joie. “Going to a private school like Portledge, we have a lot of resources and privileges, and it's important to show that things we take for granted are our advantages.” By making a great profit and putting it to amazing use, BSU truly forms the blueprint of how to simply and effectively fundraise and donate.