Gentry band launches shoe-drive fundraiser
GENTRY — Gentry Band Boosters are conducting a shoe-drive fundraiser Nov. 20 through Jan. 19 to raise funds for supplies that most band students cannot afford, without help, and for travel expenses to Hot Springs for the 2018 Honor Ensembles.
The band will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently-worn, used and new shoes it collects. Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes, and those dollars will benefit the band.
Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at any designated drop box in Gentry and at the Gentry High School Conversion Charter drop box in the main lobby. All donated shoes will be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners.
Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Crystal Wood, Gentry Band Booster president. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for supplies and travel, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the band, the shoes will make a difference in people’s lives around the world.
About Gentry Band Boosters
The Gentry Band Boosters is an organization comprised of students, parents and business and community leaders who have a vested interest in the success of the band programs at Gentry Schools. These programs include Color Guard, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Winter Guard and Winter Percussion. The primary purpose of the Gentry Band Boosters is to assist the director in the development of excellence in music education, performance skills and leadership in Gentry students. The Gentry Band Boosters accomplishes this by providing financial, logistical and moral support in a balanced fashion for all these programs and the students who participate in them.