The Bikes for Kids project and three prom committees’ savings accounts got boosts over the weekend from activities held at local businesses.
On Saturday, students from Emporia, Olpe, and Northern Heights high school decorated and sold cakes that had been donated by the Bob’s Super Saver company, which owns the Country Mart stores and Price Chopper.
The cakes, which sold for $4.99 each, hastened the fundraising chores for all three classes.
“They were terrific,” said Sarah Sweet, a co-sponsor of the EHS junior class that set up in the north Country Mart store. “We were sold out of cakes by about 12:15.”
The class made $375, plus tips. The juniors will pay for the 2008 seniors’ prom.
“The girls really enjoyed themselves,” Sweet said. “A lot of them didn’t have any experience, but they jumped right in there. Definitely a huge thank-you to Country Mart.”
Olpe High School had a similar experience, bringing in $360 for its four hours of cake-decorating, according to junior class sponsor Jessica Hess.
“That was great for the kids to make some money,” Hess said. “It was the best money-maker we’ve had so far.”
The reaction from North Lyon County was similar.
“It was one of the easiest money-makers we’ve ever done,” said Jann Briggs, sophomore class sponsor at NHHS. “They had everything ready for us, everything we needed. ... We made a mess, and then we got to leave.”
The sophomores, who began their fundraising early for next year’s prom, took in “just a little shy of $400” in four hours, Briggs said.
An auction the night before also was successful.
Daryl Polzin, chairman of the St. Patrick’s Day Committee, said that its auction Friday evening at Bruff’s brought in about $6,500 toward a bicycle project that will provide first bikes for children who otherwise would not be able to afford them.
The auction was the first of several events and activities intended to raise money for the project.
St. Patrick’s Day-themed T-shirts, beads and novelty items will be sold through March 15, when a parade is scheduled at 1 p.m. in downtown Emporia. Tickets for a Las Vegas Get-away also are available for a donation of $1 per ticket. Merchandise and tickets are available at the Town Royal, 405 Commercial St., or from any St. Patrick’s Day committee member.