Wake up, smell the coffee, and raise some money.

That’s the new fundraising idea that has percolated between the Welches
Parent Teacher Community Organization and Mt. Hood Roasters of Welches.
Tired of the old fundraising projects of the past – where people bought things
they didn’t really want or use much – WPTCO Vice-President Cheryl
Gunderson brewed up a red-hot concept.

“The new board last year started trying new things, and added more things
we wanted to see happen for the kids,” Gunderson said.

“Coffee is something most people buy on a regular basis anyway – it is a huge
part of my day – (so) I approached Rick Applegate (proprietor of Mt. Hood
Roasters) and asked if he had done any fundraising with coffee.”

Gunderson found out that Applegate was sipping from the same pot.

“We have been working on developing a fundraising division for our company
for quite some time,” Applegate said. “When Cheryl came to us with the idea
we were elated. It makes us very happy that our community found a way to
launch this concept with us.”

The Leadership Class at Welches School designed a custom label for the
coffee, and the fundraiser is in full swing. The winning design was created by
Dylan Kenney. Students are bringing home packets and the sale sheets and
money can be turned in to their teachers by Oct. 12.

Prizes for the students provide piping-hot incentives.

“We have taken the prizes awarded to the students to a level that will blow
the kids and parents away,” Applegate said.

The prizes have been purchased by Mt. Hood Roasters and include: Skibowl
lift tickets, skate park passes to Windells, ice cream at Dairy Queen, movie
passes to Mt. Hood Theater, gift cards to Wy’east Book Shoppe, and the grand
prize for the top-selling student is his or her family can take up to 10 people
to the Commander’s Residence at Fort Stevens for a three-day, two-night
stay.

The residence is a 6,000 square-foot, seven bedroom home that was built in
1905 and housed many officers in the early 1900s.

“This will be like a step back in time for the winning family as they pour their
morning coffee in the butler’s pantry and enjoy a spectacular house furnished
in early American décor,” Applegate said. “Of course, we expect they will
spend the days at the beach.”

Anyone not solicited by a student can place their orders at the elementary
school office, or call the school at 622-3165. Roasters will also take orders
online after the fundraiser ends.

The coffee sells for $10 for a 12-ounce bag, with the school making $4.05
profit on each sale.

“We are very thankful for all of the work WPTCO does for the school,”
Applegate said. “In addition to Cheryl, we especially thank (President) Travis
Brewster and the entire board (Amber Carpenter, Becky Fortune) for giving
our company this opportunity.”

Gunderson returned the praise. “Rick Applegate’s generosity goes above and
beyond,” she said.