Not all students learn about philanthropy early in life or understand how fundraisers benefit others and essential missions. We appreciate when our High School and Middle School Student Senates along with other supportive students, want to learn about the cycle of fundraising, from identifying what to sell, setting the price, understanding the profit margin, and building the hype for the actual sale day with a robust marketing and communications plan. Each High School grade level raises money to support prom, class shirts, and activities, including a senior excursion. 
Juniors in the Class of 2026 recently held a Spam Musubi and Slushy fundraiser on campus during snack and lunchtime.
Caitlyn '26 and Aiden '26 walked around with an eye-catching sign for this fundraiser, where the class decided to use the money for next year's senior activities.
"We had to figure out how much to charge to make a profit," Aiden '26 explained.
"Some people donated supplies, and others were from a previous event," Lehia '26 added.  
"Skills that students learned for the fundraiser include communication skills, finances, food safety, problem-solving, leadership, accountability, and following through, "said Kumu Nalani Badua. "What impressed me the most was their drive to accomplish their goal."
Dean of Student Life and Mentorship Coordinator Jason Wagner highlights the value of goal-setting in fundraising efforts. "When students set achievable fundraising goals, they come together to strategize and learn more skills," he noted. "They may have an activity in mind and determine how much money will be needed to run it. They will then chart a course to maximize profits and brainstorm ways to advertise their fundraiser."
Mr. Wagner, who oversees the High School Student Senate, explained how funds raised through initiatives like the annual Christmas Tree Sale with Habilitat support various student activities. The money goes to prizes for lunchtime games, homeroom competitions, prom decorations, field day lunches, and more. There is also an ongoing breakfast fundraiser in Mr. Wagner's room in the morning, where students, staff, and faculty can buy pastries, drinks, and breakfast sandwiches.
The High School Senate Fall Festival showcased creativity and teamwork, with each grade contributing unique fundraising activities. For a $3 entry fee, attendees enjoyed games like bounce house, face painting, ring toss, archery, and blacksmithing.
The Class of 2028 sold fried rice and sweet-and-savory treats, while the Class of 2026 offered refreshing shave ice. Seniors in the Class of 2025 served magic corn topped with butter, furikake, and salt. The robotics team joined the fun, selling dinosaur puzzles and hosting a flash sale to boost their fundraiser.
The students suggested combining the Fall Festival with the annual Trunk or Treat for a lively, family-friendly event for our Assets School community.
 

"Students at Assets learn to do good and give back," added Vice President of Institutional Advancement Linda Jameson Myers. "The skills students learn in fundraising could lead to a career in philanthropy, like the work I do to raise money for our school through the Illumination Gala and auction for tuition assistance, as well as our annual fund appeal, which includes our 10 Days of Giving."
AAssets School has a long-standing tradition of giving back, including over 25 years of donations to the Hawaii Foodbank. On Giving Tuesday, December 3, Assets School presented food collected throughout November to Hawaii Foodbank President and CEO Amy Miller. The donation provided 500 meals to Hawaii's hungry families.
After the Maui wildfires in August 2023, the K-8 News Now enrichment program launched a spare change fundraiser, resulting in $700 donated to the Maui Strong Fund.
Middle School fundraising efforts include initiatives like the Valentine's Candy Gram fundraiser, which supports their dance and 8th-grade field trip, and Original Works, where families can order custom items featuring their children's artwork. Athletics fundraising is also student-driven, such as the Car Wash that raised money for the athletic teams.
Looking ahead, February fundraisers include a pre-order-only Krispy Kreme Donut sale at the High School to support the senior class and the Valentine's Candy Gram fundraiser at the K-8 campus.
For students inspired to turn their fundraising skills into a career, organizations like the Association of Fundraising Professionals offer a Young Professionals membership for those under 30. Whether raising money for a school activity or a charitable cause, our students learn skills that apply beyond the classroom.