Each year at this time, the Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education approves a list of fundraisers for the next school year. Superintendent Khris Thexton presented the list to the school board on Monday.

“We try to not overlap or at least not sell the same things at the same time,” Thexton told the board. “There are only so many tubs of cookie dough you can fit into your freezer.” 

One event that went away during the COVID-19 pandemic and is returning in 2024 is the Panther Craft Fair, organized by DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America), set to take place in November.

The list includes:

- GBHS Athletic Department, July/August 2024 - Sale of Panther Cards

- GBHS Madrigals, Aug. 24-Sept. 12 - “Believe” (magazines, gift items)

- GBHS FFA, Throughout 2024-2025 - Yoder Meat (Beef Sticks) River Star Farms (meats, fruits)

- Riley Elementary Pledge Drive - Aug. 27-Sept. 9 

- GBHS Madrigals, (GBHS Madrigals host on even years, GBHS Band/Orchestra host on Odd Years) (Takes a DC Trip on Odd Years) - September/October 2024 - Homecoming Chili Supper

- Little Panthers Preschool, September/October 2024 - Fundraiser to be announced once preschools become unified

- Eisenhower Elementary PTA, dates to be announced

- Park Elementary Booster Club, Sept. 20 - Oct. 1 - fundraiser

- Jefferson Elementary, PTO, Oct. 1-13 - EMB Butter Braids

- GBHS Madrigals, Oct. 13-29 - “Believe” (frozen cookie dough)

- GBHS Band and Orchestra, Oct. 21-Nov. 4 - Stutzman’s Greenhouse (Poinsettia sales)

- GBMS Booster Club, Oct. 29-Nov. 12 - River City Fundraising (magazines, food, chocolate, gift items) or similar company

- GBHS Kayettes, November 2024 - Sherwood Forest Farms (wreaths/holiday greenery)

- GBHS Danceline, November/December 2024 - T-Shirts, Boosters Inc. Ribbon sales

- GBHS Band/Orchestra, Jan/Feb 2025 - Winter Basketball Chili Supper, Goodies Factory (gourmet popcorn), Frontier Bag (trashbag sales)

- Park Elementary Booster Club, Feb. 2025 - Calendar Raffle (daily winner of items for a month)

- GBHS Band and Orchestra, April/May 2025 - America’s Finest Chocolate (coffee, chocolate, candy bars)

- Lincoln PTO, March 6-25, 2025 - “Believe” (magazines, gift wrap, cookie dough)

- GBHS FFA, Spring 2025 River Star Farms (coffee, candles, spices)

- GBHS Drama Club, date to be announced - Original Gourmet Lollipops

Other various non-product selling fundraisers include:

- GBHS Danceline: Kiddy Camp, Student Showcase, You’ve Been Flocked

- GBHS DECA: Panther Craft Fair (November 2024)

- GBHS Choir: Rent a Student, Variety Show, Singing Valentines

- Kayettes: Mr. Perfect Panther

- Drama Club: Acting Performances

- Various groups organize food nights at local restaurants throughout the year.