Making Orlando Affordable

Making Orlando Affordable: A Guide to Financial Planning & Fundraising for the Cushing Bearkat Band Trip

CUSHING BEARKAT BAND Planning for the March 2026 Orlando Trip

Dear Cushing Bearkat Band Families,

We know that planning for a significant trip like our upcoming adventure to Universal Orlando Resort (March 5-9, 2026) involves careful financial consideration. While specific cost information and payment schedules are provided in a separate document ("Trip Cost & Payment Schedule"), this guide offers some encouragement, ideas, and strategies for financial planning and fundraising.

The initial cost figure for such an experience can sometimes feel like a lot at first glance. Please don't feel overwhelmed! Our goal is to work together and explore all avenues to make this memorable trip accessible for every interested student in the Cushing Bearkat Band (grades 7th-12th).

Here are some thoughts and opportunities to consider as you plan:

• Student Contributions & Summer Earnings: This summer presents a wonderful opportunity for students to take personal initiative! Encouraging your student to do extra chores at home, or perhaps offering help to neighbors, family, and friends for small jobs, can be a great way for them to earn personal funds to contribute towards their trip. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps build a sense of ownership and can make a real difference.
  
  

• Utilizing Organized Fundraising Efforts: As detailed in other communications, the Cushing Bearkat Band program, with the fantastic support of our Band Boosters, will be organizing several fundraising activities. Active participation in these events will directly benefit your student's trip account. Many students also have a head start with fundraising credits already earned from the Calendar Fundraiser held last year. These existing credits, along with future earnings from planned fundraisers (like working concession stand shifts during Fall 2025 football), will be applied to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, primarily impacting the final trip payment.
  
  

• Community & Business Support: Our Cushing community has always been wonderfully supportive of our students. The Cushing Bearkat Band always welcomes and deeply appreciates support from local businesses. If you own a local business, or know of one that might be interested in sponsoring our students or making a donation towards the trip, these contributions are invaluable and will certainly be recognized. Please feel free to discuss any potential leads with Mr. Applegate.
  
  

We are committed to making this Orlando experience a reality for as many of our dedicated band students as possible. By working together – through school-organized fundraisers, Booster efforts, individual student contributions, and community support – we can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for everyone.

Please refer to the "Payment Schedule" document for more details on the trip and official fundraising initiatives.

If you have ideas or questions regarding your financial planning, fundraising, or potential contributions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Mr. David Applegate 

Band Director, Cushing Bearkat Band 

Cell: 940.367.8662 

Email: dapplegate@cushingisd.org