On Thursday, Dec. 7, West High partnered with Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt in Redondo Beach for a fundraiser. From 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, if customers showed the West High fundraising flier when they ordered ice cream, twenty percent of the total purchase was to be donated to West.

   As the funds of this particular fundraiser were for the junior class of 2025, ASB Junior Vice President Hannah Takasaki (11) was in charge of planning it all out. Takasaki explained how the process of collaborating with Handel’s was quite simple. ASB had to first fill out a detailed form requesting a partnership, and after Handel’s acceptance, a set date was picked to hold the fundraiser. From there, Handel’s provided a custom-made flier to be distributed to students to use on the day of the fundraiser.

   Part of what makes a fundraiser successful is its timing. As the holiday season is approaching, West High has to strategically hold events to raise money. Takasaki elaborated, “Usually, Handel’s is a very popular fundraiser that [ASB] do[es], especially for December because of the Christmas season.” This year, there are positive expectations for the fundraiser, as partnering with Handel’s in the past has been quite successful.

   With the success of fundraisers, students may wonder where their money is going. Takasaki explained, “If it’s a class fundraiser, [ASB] use[s] [the funds] to buy supplies for rallies.” However, specifically for the junior class, the “main priority is saving money up for prom.” That said, all of the funds made from fundraisers are put to good use to create a better high school experience for all students.

   West’s ASB works hard throughout the year to provide fundraisers, rallies, and events for the student body. Correspondingly, these fundraisers are both rewarding and enjoyable for students. Rohith Krish (11), a participant in the fundraiser, brightly expressed how he initially decided to buy ice cream so he could “hang out with [his] friends at Handel’s.” He then later described how, “It felt good to support [his] school through the fundraiser, knowing that [his] contribution helped fund events for [West High].”

   Fundraisers are great opportunities for students to come and support West High. Not only do they make way for a better high school experience, but they may also come with a delicious treat on the side.