TRP Update
Total Exceeds $33,000
As Donations Continue to Save the Children
School to Pursue Further Fundraisers

By Margaret Lipman and Nora Hemphill (January 27, 2005)

Once again exemplifying the admirable sense of responsibility and personal efficacy that is an integral part of George Mason High School and the entire Falls Church City community, this month’s Tsunami Relief Project raised over $33,468 (as of Tuesday, January 25).  The entire sum is being donated to Save the Children’s response to the December 26 tsunami that devastated much of Southeast Asia, killing between 144,784 and 178,000 in 11 different countries and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless 

The current fundraising total is still rising and has exceeded most expectations.  The initial aim for the fundraiser was $20,000 – a figure that was exceeded on Saturday, January 15, when the bulk of the fundraising events occurred.  Since then, over $10,000 has been added to the current total ($33,468).  Besides uniting GM students, parents, and faculty, the Tsunami Relief Project also galvanized many local businesses and Falls Church citizens into action.  Certainly, the fundraiser could never have been a success without their donations, participation and attendance. The TRP started off on a high note on Monday, January 10, with a jazz concert featuring the GMHS Jazz Ensemble and Combo, the GMMS Jazz Band, and the Potomac Jazz Orchestra.  The event raised $2,362 through donations alone.

Senior Sarah Stanley applies henna to fellow Art Club member Tania Andrade during the craft sale.  The craft sale was one of many fund raising activities  on January 15 that helped raise over $33,000 for the  Tsunami Relief Project.  All funds are being donated to the Save the Children Foundation.

On Saturday, January 15, the hard work of student, faculty, and parent volunteers came to fruition.  As early as 7 am, volunteers on the various committees were diligently setting up their respective events in preparation for the opening of the fundraiser at 10 a.m.  And when curious Falls Church residents began arriving, they were greeted by quite a sight.

In the Auxiliary Gym, the Silent Auction and White Elephant Sale both proved extremely successful, raising $8,797and $6,330, respectively.  The highest bid of the Silent Auction was $500 for a meal for 20 guests -- prepared, served, and cleaned up in the winning bidder’s home and following a menu of their specifications.  Other high bids were for a week in New Orleans, a refinished traveling trunk donated by Dr. DeFazio, Washington Wizards vs. Houston Rockets basketball tickets, and “Romance in a Basket” and “Basket for Cooking,” which were both donated by Thomas Jefferson Elementary School classes. 

The White Elephant Sale offered hundreds of donated items and certainly proved the saying that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  Not that any of the items were trash, though.  Shoppers at the Sale were treated to incredible bargains on books, CDs, clothes, toys, jewelry, home accessories, appliances, and much more.  On a somewhat smaller scale, the Craft Sale also included several booths which offered henna, juggling lessons (provided by several TJ students), and handmade crafts by Mason students.    

Breakfast and lunch in the Mustang Café was also sold between 10 am – 2 pm.  A multitude of muffins, breads, baked goods, chips, sandwiches, juices and sodas were donated by the PTSA, the Bread House, Kendall’s Bakery and others.  A steady stream of customers attended the informal function throughout the morning and afternoon.  About midway through the event, $745 was documented as having been raised, although that figure undoubtedly increased as the day progressed.  The remaining food was donated to a local food kitchen/homeless shelter. 

During the afternoon, a Battle of the Bands in the auditorium raised $1,610.  Ten bands from seven area high schools performed.  But to no one’s surprise, the ever-popular Mason band Ninja Slap was the overwhelming winner and undeniable crowd favorite.

As the day wore on, the cafeteria was transformed for the Evening Reception with decorations from Better Events Catering and Falls Church Florist.  Around seventy people attended the elegant affair and were treated to live piano renditions, as well as service by student waiters, many dressed in tuxedos on loan by Masters Tuxedos.  Local merchants such as Tara Thai, Pilin, La Cote d’Or, Zpizza, Quiznos, and the Florence Café (as well as parents, students, and other citizens) had generously donated hors d’oeuvres, entrees, drinks, and desserts.  The Reception raised $1,915. 

Later on, the auditorium was filled with the somewhat more mellow sounds of the Benefit Show, which featured an astounding 46 students, including dancers from the Universal Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C.  A variety of musical arrangements, dance numbers, solos, and dramatic pieces were performed.  The event, which concluded the day’s fundraiser, raised $2,939.45. 

The International Club brought in $1,118 from the sale of its Care Packages, which have also helped to relieve Masonites’ exam stress this week.  Fundraising efforts from the Mason wrestling and swimming teams contributed $235 and $53 to the Tsunami Relief Project, respectively.  Other general donations (which continue to pour in and are encouraged) now total $7, 343. 

Principal  Bob Snee has proposed holding other fundraisers for tsunami relief in each of the months before the school year’s conclusion.  That seems like a very imminent possibility, especially if last week’s efforts are any indication of the generosity, hard work, and determination of George Mason students. The first “extra” fundraiser will be a faculty basketball game between the Mason staff and the staff at George Marshall High School on March 4, 2005.