Cy-Ridge High School Band Produce Sale Creates Positive Ripple Across Cy-Fair Region
In the Cy-Fair region, we are fortunate to have several quality farmer's markets where we can purchase locally grown produce and shop from local artisans nearly every weekend. But one produce sale recently held by the Cypress Ridge High School Band stood out not just because it was run by high school students, but because of the ripple effects it had on the community.
For the last nine years, the Cypress Ridge High School Band has held an annual produce sale during the fall semester to fundraise for more instruments for students who do not own their own, as well as master classes and private lessons for students. Going against the grain of conventional fundraisers like car washes and catalog sales, this produce sale has become a community favorite, thanks to a nearly life-long friendship between the former Director of Bands at Cypress Ridge, Andrew Nixon, and Doug Burris, the President and CEO of Country Fresh Produce Company. While sharing frustrations over ineffective fundraising efforts, Mr. Burris pitched the idea of a produce sale.
"Mr. Nixon asked Mr. Burris about fundraising ideas since he was a little frustrated that the typical cookie dough and chocolate fundraisers were not being as effective with our students and community. [He] wanted something where the community supported the band," said Armando Robledo, Director of Bands at Cypress Ridge High School.
At each sale, produce is delivered to Cy-Ridge by the Country Fresh Produce Company, a full-service fresh solutions supplier for retail, foodservice, club and convenience stores based in The Woodlands. The Cypress Ridge High School Band is comprised of 175 students including wind, percussion and color guard, all of whom signed up for shifts to help as a shopper, tent re-stocker or both. Working as a team from start to finish, students interact with customers and help with tear down at the conclusion of the sale.
And it looks like the duo was onto something. Every year, the Cypress Ridge Band produce sale continues to grow larger, with doubled attendance and sales this year's event over the weekend of September 23 through 24. From community members to teachers and staff, the sale saw plenty of customers, including several familiar faces and even local restaurants like The Backyard Grill. CFISD teachers from all across the district, Cypress Ridge High School's new principal, Dr. Abe Lozano and his parents, and many others were in attendance to support the Cypress Ridge Band.
(Source: The Backyard Grill)"This fundraiser is very special to us because it is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We also get to serve a bigger cause by helping another wonderful group in the Creative Ministries Women’s Outreach program. It is hard work to host this event, but we all have a great time, making it fun rather than making it feel like work," said Robledo.
Another special attendee at the produce sale was Patricia Hudson, the Director of Community Outreach for Cy-Fair Helping Hands (CFHH). While she was shopping, she spoke with Robledo about having any food that might be left over at the conclusion of the sale to distribute to clients in need and much to her delight, Robledo was thrilled to oblige. Hudson immediately sprang into action to rally support from volunteers for the transport of these timely items to Cy-Fair Helping Hands' facility on Kirkton Drive. CFHH ended up with 1,895 pounds of fresh and produce that was distributed to 255 hungry clients the following Monday, with even more clients taking home a share of the bounty on September 28.
Cy-Ridge High School Director of Bands, Armando Robledo with freshman tuba player, Cooper, at the produce sale. (Source: Cy-Fair Helping Hands)The unexpected donation came at a perfect time, according to Hudson. Over the last year, the number of people fed through CFHH's pantry has tripled as prices have increased and paychecks stopped stretching far enough. Of the 255 people that CFHH provided food for from this generous donation, 19 of those clients were new to CFHH's program.
"Every time we start to worry about having enough, something happens so we can feed everyone who is here for help," said Hudson.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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