Staff
Fort Frances High School’s Travel Club has started some major fundraising for its trip to Italy in May.
“We’ve got 39 students coming—almost double what we had for our previous trip,” noted teacher Tracy Rob.
She said the fundraising will help to pay for their bus to Minneapolis (where they will depart from), as well as to lower the cost for each student.
“Our goal is to raise enough to take $500 for each student.
“And when you multiply that by 39 kids, it’s a lot of money,” echoed teacher Susan DeGagne.
The Travel Club already has held several fundraisers, including a car wash, garage sale, and flower sale, but now members are on their “fall/winter blitz.”
The group has taken over the citrus sale, which for years was done annually by the FFHS senior band.
“People should be getting calls now or within the next week or so,” said DeGagne, noting they are selling navel oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines in a variety of sizes.
She explained customers do not pay until they receive their order, adding those who haven’t received a call—and are interested in making a purchase—can contact the high school.
Once that fundraiser is complete, the Travel Club will move on to a Sysco frozen food fundraiser, where customers will be able to purchase a variety of items such as shrimp rings, chicken wings, mozza sticks, and steaks.
“Lots of bulk products that are perfect for the holidays,” Rob said.
Meanwhile, several Travel Club members have signed up to participate in the annual “Polar Plunge,” hosted by local Voyageur Lions Club’s each New Year’s Day.
“They receive half of what they raise, with the other half going to the Lions Club,” explained Rob, adding there’s a bonus for the group that raises the most money, which they are hoping to earn it.
A few more fundraisers will take place in the New Year, but haven’t been confirmed yet.
“They kids are getting excited for the trip,” said DeGagne.
“It’s starting to become real, but they have been so focused on the fundraising.”
The group, whose itinerary includes visits to Venice, Florence, Sorrento, and Rome, will be gone for nine days over the May long weekend.
