Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

GHS students raising money for Close-Up

By looking around town or in the Gurdon Times, local residents will probably notice the Gurdon High School students planning to participate in the Close-up Program, selling cinnamon rolls, pies, chances on certain items or having a car wash.

However, many people don't really understand why they are doing all of these fund-raises.

Well here is the reason why. It costs each student around $1,400 to attend the program which takes them to Washington, D.C. This amount will cover all activities, plane tickets, all food and for one night the students will attend a cultural event such as an opera or a play.

Parents have to pay a $300 deposit by mid fall and the remainder of the money is left up to the students and parents to raise before January 2, 2004.

"Between now and January the Close-up students and parents will be in a fund-raising frenzy," said Tambra Smith, parent of Hunter Johnson who plans to attend the program.

There are 23 students signed up to attend Close-up this year. When figured, it was determined that it will cost $25,300 for the students to attend. Therefore, any money raised from the special events the Close-up is having, is greatly appreciated.

"It is important for these students to attend this program. Some of them may never have the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. otherwise," said Smith.

For this month the group held a car wash and sold school made cinnamon rolls and delivered them in boxes kindly donated by Sexton Food's of Gurdon.

They will also be having a chili supper the night of homecoming in the Gurdon High School Cafetorium. Adults can eat for $5 and the meal includes chili, cheese, cracker, drink and a dessert. Children 12 and under can eat for $3. The supper will start at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7 p.m. Tickets will be pre-sold, but walk-ins are welcome.

On November 9, the group will have a chicken and dressing dinner at the Gurdon Primary School. You may dine in or carry out.

The group will also have booth set up at the Gurdon Forest Festival the last Saturday in October. They will be selling chances on a quilt and possibly a gun. They will be selling these chances at the next home football game also.

On November 26, the group will be making and selling their famous rolls and pies.

No dates have been set for the month of December. However, the group may have a BBQ dinner and sell the pies and rolls one more time.

The group is also doing a secret square. Each student will be given a sheet with numbered squares on it. If the student sells all the squares on his or her sheet, it will raise $100 for Close-up. Before the auction at the Gurdon Forest Festival, a drawing will be done to see who the lucky winner of $100 will be.

The Close-up program has been going on for several years now and has proven to be a positive experience for the students attending.

Many groups, individuals and clubs in town graciously donate to the program each year. Without the help of them and the townspeople it would not be possible for Gurdon school's to participate in such a program.

"Please be patient with the students and us parents. We know it is hard for everyone to participate in all of our fund-raisers, but we do want everyone to know how appreciated they are for contributing," said Smith.