The Rancho-Maze Band in Hollister has hit new heights with fundraising. The band began the year by partnering with De Brito Chocolate Factory by selling their decadent, and quite delicious, candy apples. The students brought in more than $12,000 in sales, with the band's take at just over $5,000. It was a winning situation for the band, as the students received money into their individual accounts to help pay for uniforms and upcoming travel costs.
On November 1, the band held their tenth annual Holiday Boutique at the Rancho-San Justo gymnasium. This annual event has been a popular fundraiser and proved to be as such this year. Over 30 crafters and vendors were on site selling everything from jewelry to scarves and purses. Vendors paid a nominal fee of just $30 to set up their tables and booths. The band brought in over $1100 with this holiday event.
Upcoming are two special events: a bookfair with Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Gilroy. Patrons who come in on December 6 and 7 can use voucher number 11479649 when they check out, and the band will receive a percentage of each sale. If shoppers aren't able to make it into the store, they can still shop online at BN.com and use the voucher number after they click on 'bookfair' at the time of check out.
The final hurrah for the season is the band's holiday concert on December 10 at Rancho San Justo Middle School. The concert begins at 7 pm and is free to the public, but there willl be a holiday raffle with prizes such as kendamas, beauty treatments, a two night stay at the Atlantis Resort in Reno, Nevada, and four one-day hopper passes to the Disneyland Resort. All proceeds go directly to the band.