The chocolates represent just one way the Billings Catholic Schools Foundation is closing the fundraising gap on the remaining $3 million needed for the school.
“Doesn’t it just kind of warm your heart?” said BCSF President Janyce Haider of the chocolate fundraiser. “I think it’s wonderful that they’ve done this.”
More of the handmade chocolates probably won’t be available until after Thanksgiving, but Brockel said the store will continue to accept advance orders.
A pound is $28, and it’s available boxed, wrapped and topped with a handmade bow for $30, Brockel said.
“This is the first time we’ve ever done this,” Brockel said speaking last Friday. “We can’t believe we’re already out of them.”
As the Brockels’ continue to do their part one sweet treat at a time, Haider said the community of Billings continues to chip in to fundraising efforts.
Construction for the new K-8 school is on schedule and on budget Haider said. But once it’s finished, the classrooms will need to be furnished.
At the end of October, the uniform dress code was dropped and jeans were given a green light for Billings Catholic Schools K-8 students who donated in order to participate in the first “Furniture Friday” fundraiser, Haider said.
Furniture Fridays will be held the last Friday of every month with exceptions for holidays and days when school isn’t in session, Haider said. The next one will be Nov. 18, she said.
The event raised around $1,500 and the goal is that successive Furniture Fridays will raise enough to cover the cost of an entire classroom set of desks, chairs and other classroom needs, Haider said.
Haider said the Billings Catholic Schools Foundation has also continued to reach out to alumni, parents and other potential donors through a variety of platforms. She hopes they can be done fundraising by July 2017.
“We still have a way to go but I think we’re going to get it done,” she said. “It’s amazing how generous people are.”