As of Monday, April 8th, we are thrilled to announce that we have exceeded our initial goal of $4,400! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we have raised $4,500 and are feeling overwhelmed with gratitude.
Originally, we set the goal at $4000 (with an added 10% to cover the much-needed overhead at the La Crosse Public Education Fund) mostly because it would feel embarrassing to set a goal of $5K or $6K and only raise $1,000! But we underestimated outpouring of your support! We are certainly feeling the love! With $4,500 raised, we're well on the way to equipping our existing debate team with new PC devices that will allow them to continue debating. We have 8 returning debaters, and with an estimated $400 per device for a sturdy refurbished laptop, we should be able to get 10 or 12 devices now! But we're also getting ready for a big recruiting push, and we'd love to be able to equip 4 novice teams to be able to compete at the same time--and to achieve that goal of 16 devices, and to create a small reserve for device repair, we're going to continue fundraising. So: Full disclosure, we are raising our goal from $4,400 to $6,400 for now! Thank you for believing in our cause and helping us empower the next generation of debaters. Together, we are making a significant impact! Donate Here: https://lacrossepubliceducationfoundation-bloom.kindful.com/central-debate-technology-fundraiser-2024/central-debate
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Dear Supporters and Friends of Central Debate,
We are thrilled to share an exciting update on our laptop fundraiser! Thanks to your incredible generosity and support, we have raised an impressive $3,187, which represents 72% of our total goal. This milestone brings us one step closer to ensuring that every student on our debate team has access to the essential technology they need to excel in the upcoming season. The response to our fundraiser has been truly inspiring, with contributions coming in from parents, alumni, community members, and local businesses. Your belief in the power of debate and the potential of our students is what drives us forward, and we are deeply grateful for each and every donation. As we continue towards our goal of $4,400, we invite you to join us in this final push. Every dollar makes a difference and brings us closer to our objective of providing laptops for our debaters. With your continued support, we are confident that we can reach—and even exceed—our fundraising target. For those who have already donated, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your investment in our students' education and future success is invaluable. For those who are considering contributing, we encourage you to be part of this transformative initiative. Remember, your support not only helps us purchase laptops but also fosters a culture of learning, critical thinking, and advocacy among our students. Many of our debaters aspire to pursue careers in law, and the skills they develop through debate—analytical thinking, persuasive communication, and confident public speaking—are the very foundation of a successful legal profession. To make a contribution or learn more about our fundraiser, please visit our fundraising portal. Together, let's empower the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Thank you for being part of the Central Debate family and for your unwavering commitment to our students' success. We look forward to updating you on our progress and celebrating our achievements together. Warm regards, Ben Hamburger At Central Debate, we believe that every voice matters, every idea deserves consideration, and every mind holds the potential to change the world. That's why we're excited to announce our latest initiative: a fundraiser to provide laptops for our dedicated team of debaters. In the fast-paced realm of competitive debate, access to technology is paramount. It's not just about staying competitive; it's about ensuring that every student, regardless of background or financial means, has the tools they need to thrive. The Power of Debate: Debate isn't just a competition; it's a training ground for future leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Through rigorous research, persuasive argumentation, and respectful discourse, our debaters develop critical thinking skills, hone their communication abilities, and learn to engage with complex issues in a constructive manner. Whether they're discussing policy solutions, ethical dilemmas, or philosophical questions, our students emerge from each debate round with a deeper understanding of the world around them and the confidence to articulate their views effectively. The Challenge Ahead: While our debate program has a long history of success, recent changes at the district level have posed a significant challenge. As the School District of La Crosse transitions to iPads for high school students, our ability to compete effectively is in jeopardy. Debate rounds require access to specialized software and online resources, which simply aren't compatible with the iPad platform. Without laptops, many of our students will be unable to participate in tournaments, limiting their opportunities for growth and success. How You Can Help: We're reaching out to our community for support in this crucial endeavor. Your contribution to our laptop fundraiser will make a tangible difference in the lives of our debaters. Whether you can give a little or a lot, every donation brings us one step closer to our goal. Together, we can ensure that every student has access to the technology they need to excel in debate and beyond. Get Involved: Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Visit our fundraising portal to make a donation today. Spread the word on social media, tell your friends and family, and help us reach our goal. Together, we can equip our students with the tools they need to succeed and ensure that Central Debate continues to thrive for years to come. Thank you for your support! Donate Here: https://lacrossepubliceducationfoundation-bloom.kindful.com/central-debate-technology-fundraiser-2024/central-debate# Here's a quick summary of our 2023-24 season! Resolution: "The United States federal government should substantially increase fiscal redistribution in the United States by adopting a federal jobs guarantee, expanding Social Security, and/or providing a basic income." Despite having a young team with no seniors, 2023-24 was one of our most successful seasons in recent history!
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Ben HamburgerHead Coach at Central Debate ArchivesCategories |