DATE: 17 Dec 2021
TO: Ithaca Community, School Family, and Friends
FROM: Mr. Greg Herbst and Mrs. Juli Thompson, Freshmen Class Co-Advisors
RE: Coordinated Fundraising Efforts for Ben Huebsch and His Family
Dear Ithaca Community, School Family, and Friends,
As you have likely heard, one of our students, Ben Huebsch, has been recently diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. His oncology team at the University of Madison Children’s Hospital has run diagnostic tests (e.g., spinal tap and bone marrow draw) to decipher the reach of the lymphoma and determine, in addition to chemotherapy, the most effective treatment plans.
For those who do not know Ben personally, he is the third-born and youngest son of Mick and Carly Huebsch. Ben is currently enrolled as a freshman at Ithaca High School, where he participates in band, choir, football, basketball, and baseball. Friends describe him as caring, thoughtful, and funny.
Every prayer, thought, gesture, and extension of goodwill have been exponentially appreciated by the Huebsch family. Many people have expressed a desire to assist Ben and his family as they navigate the months of uncertainty ahead; therein lies the impetus for this letter.
As co-advisors for the freshmen class, we have asked the school administration for and been granted permission to coordinate the anticipated assemblage of donations. Serving as points of contact, we can ensure transparency and accountability via a systematic, documented approach. We are also in contact with several 501(c)(3) service organizations to serve as a conduit for donations.
Of course, it is your right to work outside of this framework; however, we felt it necessary and prudent to provide a vehicle through which to donate, should you so choose.
Cash and item donations may be dropped off at Ithaca High School on any school day after 3:30 p.m., or you may make arrangements with either of us to pick up an item. For purposes of accountability, we have created three Donation Presentation Forms. All donations must be presented with a proper Donation Presentation Form and will be classified and cataloged:
Donation Presentation Form M
Monetary donations to be given to the family;
Other fundraisers (e.g., a dinner where the proceeds benefit the family);
Donation Presentation Form A
Live Auction items (retail value greater than $50.00); or
Silent Auction items (retail value less than or equal to $50.00).
Donation Presentation Form IK
In-kind donations
Fillable e-forms can be found on the Ithaca School District website under the News article titled, “Huebsch Family Fundraiser”. Hardcopies will also be available at Ithaca High School
Additionally, the Ithaca High School Band will hold a raffle for a large screen TV. Tickets will be sold at school during lunch beginning Monday, December 20, 2021, and in the school lobby during boys’ and girls’ home basketball games. The drawing for the TV will be held between the junior varsity and varsity boys’ basketball games versus DeSoto on Friday, February 11, 2021, at Ithaca High School.
The projected timeline is as follows:
Monetary donations and other fundraisers will be accepted through Friday, February 11, 2022.
Live and silent auction items will be accepted through Friday, February 04, 2022 to be guaranteed an entry in the forthcoming auction booklet. Auction specifics are given here:
What? | Huebsch Family Fundraiser Auction | |
When? | Saturday, February 12, 2022 | |
Time? | Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; Live auction begins at 6:30 p.m. | |
Where? | The Phoenix Center 100 South Orange Street Richland Center, WI 53581 |
Once again, be assured that every donation will be classified, cataloged, accountable, and transparent.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact either of us at the phone numbers or email addresses listed below. Thank you in advance for your altruism, support, and generosity.
Most sincerely and respectfully,
Mr. Greg Herbst and Mrs. Juli Thompson
Freshmen Class Co-Advisors
608.585.2311 x312 and x305, respectively