BELLE, W.Va. — Challenging economic times in West Virginia has lead a high school marching band to think outside the box in order to raise money for its booster program.
The Riverside High School Warrior Band plans to sell mattresses this weekend at the school in Kanawha County. The band will be the first group in West Virginia to raise money by hosting a Serta Mattress Showroom.
Bruce Mullins, Riverside band director, said Serta Mattress staff will be at the school to do the selling. Band members will help by getting the word out.
“Because we set it up for them and attracted customers for them, they’re giving us a percentage of their sales,” Mullins said on Tuesday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
Mullins admitted times are tough. He said traditional fundraisers don’t seem to work anymore, so they found another way.
“It’s getting a lot harder recently to raise money because they don’t have it to give. People would like to help, but they just don’t have the money to buy a $16 tub of cookie dough or things that they necessarily don’t have to have,” he said.
The high school, just like many other booster programs in the state, needs all the help they can get, Mullins said. They’re inviting friends, family and the entire community.
“We need as many people as possible to come by,” he said.
Mullins said it’s important to have a comfortable mattress. The National Sleep Foundation found that 92 percent of people say a comfortable mattress is important to a good night’s sleep.
“1 in 10 people they say need a new mattress. I know I certainly do. If it’s something you need, why not come and buy it here and help out the band in the process?” he said.
Those who make an appointment prior to the event will receive a free Serta Pillow. To make an appointment, click here.
“Our representative’s work with schools nationwide,” said Tom Wiegand, National Sales Manager, for The Mattress Fundraiser in a news release. “Literally creating a Showroom for your group, we provide for the group.”
Volunteers with the band and Serta Mattress will be at Riverside High School Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.