Alamitos Intermediate raises in excess of $45,000!
I just wanted to thank you for your kudos in your recent newsletter. I can't tell you how proud I am of the Alamitos students for their outstanding participation this year for the fundraiser. As I thought about additional ways to our annual dunk tank incentive (which the students love) to increase sells, while willing, I never thought offering to shave my head would have the impact it did. I was skeptical at best that the students would pull this challenge off, $45,000 seemed like an awful lot. However, the effects of the head shaving offer for some reason resonated with the students. From the very moment you announced it, students, teachers, and parents were fired up. Even after the fundraiser ended and the month wait to the big fundraiser party where the "behairing" would occur, everyday students had something to say. "Mr. Gates, are yo really going to do that," "Mr. Gates, you are going to be bald" or "Mr. Gates you are going to look funny," which my wife thinks is the most accurate of their statements. Even know, a month after the event, my head being shaved still has had reverberating effect around the school. Just yesterday a parent stopped to tell me how "cool" she thought it was that I did that and how it showed kids the importance of saying you are going to do something and following through with it. Wow! When I dreamt up the idea to shave my head as an incentive to increase sells, I certainly wasn't thinking of that? Pretty "cool" to say the least that a parent has used my head shaving as a lesson for her kids. Sometimes we never know what impact the things we say and do will have on others.
Finally, I would like to say, you, Steve, are the best at what you do. For the past nine years (at 3 different school) you and your team have provided me with the greatest costumer support, always listened to my suggestions, and offered help in a variety of ways that has always impressed me and I have always appreciated. I believe in doing business with people that foster the kind of support, friendship, and teamwork that you and I have developed over the years. Cherrydale is very lucky to have you on board, and Alamitos is fortunate to have you supporting us for our annual fundraiser. I look forward to our partnership in the years to come and I'll let you know what I am dreaming up for next year as soon as I figure it out. Enjoy the Holiday Season with your Family.
Bill Gates - Principal
