The annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Fundraiser held on Dec. 3 and 4 had great success due to the many contributors and participants who worked to ensure its success. The Junior Class ran the fundraiser this year, selling two types of trees with a variety of Christmas wreaths.

The 2013 Project Grad committee prepared for the fundraiser months in advance, contacting tree vendors, creating fliers, order forms and promoting sales.

Project Grad chair Aileen Chang and Fundraiser Chair Mike Seki played important roles in the preparation process.

“As chair of the Christmas tree fundraiser, I oversaw and coordinated all aspects of the fundraiser which included the sales and pickups,” said Seki. “It involved advertising and promoting the sale, corresponding with the tree farm to get their product line, prices, and schedule, preparing our sale forms and getting it out to potential buyers.”

“A timeline was developed to ensure that every detail was handled on a timely basis,” said Chang. “The Project Grad committee members met regularly to discuss each individual’s role and responsibilities.  We also worked closely with Ms. Vincent and the school administration, especially when dealing with the arrival of the container holding all the trees.”

Junior Advisor Wendi Vincent, made sure that students knew their responsibilities for working a shift.

“The fundraisers put on by the Class of 2013 have not only raised money for the class but have all provided a quality service for community members and put students in contact with the general public. Whether it be this tree sale, our “Breakfasts with Santa,” or the craft fair we held during freshman year, students know that they are expected to provide good customer service and to conduct themselves in a respectable manner befitting our division,” said Vincent. “Our Project Grad fundraisers have provided wonderful opportunities to reinforce a good work ethic amongst the students.”

The outcome of the tree sale was a huge success.

“Over 300 families purchased Christmas trees and wreaths this year,” said Chang.  “Many are current and former Academy families as well as those who return year after year because of the quality of trees and wreaths that are brought in for this fundraiser.”

Many parents helped with sales, and several camped out overnight as security to watch over the trees and wreaths.

“The Class of 2013 is extremely fortunate to have such hard-working parents lending their time and talents. Serving on the committee requires individuals to give up a lot of time, and we are especially fortunate to have Aileen Chang at the helm,” said Vincent. “All of the parents working on this committee are dedicated to providing the very best to their daughters and the class at-large.”

The scent of the trees placed many in the spirit of Christmas.

“We were able to donate a few trees and wreaths to community charities,” said Chang. “It was not only a fundraiser, but it was also an opportunity for the Junior Class to work together as a division toward a common goal and for the parents to develop new friendships. Because everyone worked together, we were able to achieve our goal of raising funds for Project Grad.”