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Overview: Helix Mattress Fundraiser
Michael Benge is in his 16th year of teaching at Helix, serving as one of the school’s instrumental music directors. For him, Saturday’s event is a culmination of a lot of hard work by students being very invested in the music program.
Various schools have various fundraisers throughout the year to help raise money for different needs.
That said, when is the last time you heard of a mattress fundraiser?
Some students and staff at Helix Charter High School have been busy pouring their time into preparing for this Saturday’s annual mattress fundraiser. The event raises money for the Helix Instrumental Music Program.
“I love the band program because of the culture surrounding it,” senior Illia Shovkun said. “I love the people in it and the people leading and teaching it. Also I just really love making music. I love the mattress sale because it involves the whole program working together, not just the day of but all the advertising leading up to the event.”
Michael Benge is in his 16th year of teaching at Helix, serving as one of the school’s instrumental music directors. For him, Saturday’s event is a culmination of a lot of hard work by students being very invested in the music program.
“I am always looking for new and creative ways to find funding for the music program,” Benge said. “Whether it is for purchasing new instruments, repairs, transportation needs or new performance opportunities for the students. I came across this program (fundraiser) 13 years ago and it has become some what of an annual tradition for us.”
According to Benge, the event is centered around the students, families and the La Mesa community.
“No one is being asked to buy a mattress (I mean bonus if they do),” Benge said. “Students are asked to go into their community and find one person who might be in need of a mattress. One out of every 10 people buy a mattress every year.
“We set up a beautiful showroom on campus with all the major brands: Sealy, Simmons, Purple, Tempur-Pedic. The students work the showroom and the surrounding community the day of the event.”
Benge added that if community members have trouble sleeping, maybe snoring, back issues or body aches and have a mattress that is old, they should stop by the campus and check out the showroom.
“There are financing options and the prices are better than any of the retail stores,” Benge said. “All three mattresses in my home have been bought through this program.”
Sophomore Tai Gant is one of those students who looks forward to the mattress sale each year.
“I started playing music in middle school and wanted to be part of the high school music program after getting to perform with the high school band in seventh grade at a Helix football game,” Gant said.
“I couldn’t wait to be a part of the band. I love the culture and family vibe of the program. The mattress sale is a fun event because we get into teams and go out and advertise around the community the day of the event.”
Given the good that comes out of this fundraiser, Benge encourages the community to check it out.
“I love this fundraiser because it fills a need,” Benge said. “We know how important sleep is to health, wellness and longevity. We get to help people find better rest while they get to support music education. It really is a win-win for everyone involved.
“By purchasing a mattress, you are ensuring future students get the same amazing music-making experiences the Helix Instrumentral Music Program is known for.”
For students such as senior Amos Dawsey-Richardson, there is not a better way to go out in their final year at the school.
“I joined band because my parents wanted me to be involved with something in high school,” Dawsey-Richardson said.
“I ended up falling in love with performing and got a natural from competitions. There is something about the culture and people that made me fall in love with the program. I like that the mattress sale gives students a chance to fundraise and give back to the program and invest in something that means so much to us.”
If you’re in need of a new mattress, head over to Helix Charter High School this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You may well get a better night’s sleep from it.
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