Part of the curriculum for students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship class at NVOT is the creation of a student-run business. This year, students are raising money for three organizations chosen by the Entrepreneurship teachers Antonio Marino and Frank Rotella: Make-a-Wish, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. In doing so, the students practice using their entrepreneurial skills to sell a product to customers online.
The class wants to raise as much money as they can to support these charities. The goal is to expand revenue sources and for students to sell as much chocolate as possible. To maximize the money raised, students are also participating in bake sales and clothing drives.
Senior Samantha Mufson said, “Our goal is to raise $2,500 and 50% of it will be donated while the other 50% is for profit.” The profit will be for students to start future businesses after selling the chocolate; in which they’ll donate all the money they make to their chosen charities or back to the district (clubs, athletic team, school, etc.).
Rotella said, “Last year we donated over $1,600 to each one of the three organizations.” There are many more students enrolled in the class this year, so Rotella is hoping to surpass this number.
NVOT’s entrepreneurship class partners with Gertrude Hawk, a company NVOT has been partnering with for the past few years because of its quality chocolates. With over 40 different options available, students have a variety of options to choose from depending on their liking. Gertrude Hawk has both online and in-person orders, making it accessible to more people. Additionally, the company doesn’t require customers to live in this area to buy from them, which is why NVOT enjoys partnering with this organization.
Rotella said, “It’s great to have a partner who is willing to ship items to individuals who don’t live in or around the Northern Valley area.”
Fundraising methods like these have allowed students to use what they have learned in class. “We learned about body language and communication skills, so we can use them to communicate with potential customers,” said junior Emily Ha. The ability to raise money for these two organizations is a motivator for students to participate in this project.
Junior Jossi Aras said, “The fundraiser helps apply what I learned in entrepreneurship by showing me what it’s like to have to reach out to people and actually sell a product.”
In addition to the fundraiser, the entrepreneurship class is launching a spring line: “NVOT vs. Everyone.” It’s a merch inspired by the Gold Blooded store. Students can purchase items including tank tops, t-shirts, crewnecks, sweatpants, hoodies, and more. Students can purchase items directly from the online store via the link that was sent an email to everyone. All proceeds will benefit the same charities as the chocolate fundraiser.
Overall, this fundraiser teaches students the importance of social responsibility and giving back to multiple well-known non-profit organizations. With a combination of communication skills, sales strategies, and NVOT support, the entrepreneurs are on their way to reaching their $2500 goal.