A group of graduating students at Wellington Secondary School hope to leave behind a legacy at the school with a unique fundraising idea.
Teacher John Mandziuk’s entrepreneurship 12 class is organizing a show and shine car show on school grounds Saturday (June 1).
“We took it on as a whole class,” said Charlee Clara, event manager. “It’s our business venture. No other school has done anything like this.”
The goal is to raise enough money to construct an amphitheatre on school grounds – an outdoor covered stage with seating around it – that could be used by the school’s band or drama students or anyone else who wants to use it.
“We’re hoping because it’s outside, the community could use it, too,” said Clara. “It would probably be built off of our band room.”
The class also wants to devote 20 per cent of the event’s proceeds to Cops for Cancer, so they hope to raise more than the $5,000 students estimate the amphitheatre will cost to build.
“We already have well over $1,000 cash raised just from our sponsors,” said Clara.
From the number of people who have expressed an interest, she expects between 200 and 300 cars at show, which includes vintage cars and motorcycles from car clubs across the Island and dealership and sponsor booths.
The cars will be displayed in the back parking lot, and along the perimeter of the playing field, the front lawn and the side lawn.
“It’s going to be full,” said Clara. “It’s gotten quite large.”
The entrance fee is $10 for show cars and admission for the public is by donation.
Clara said the students have collected a number of prizes from sponsors, some of which may become part of a silent auction and some of which may be given away to event attendees.
The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will also feature awards and a barbecue.
Clara said the class is looking for more sponsors and food donations. Please contact Mandziuk at 250-758-9191.