Russellville Area Technology Center’s SkillsUSA students ranked #1 in Kentucky for Country Meat snack sticks sales. Often times students, parents and family are asked to fund-raise to their limits. If we were to admit it, we have all experienced that desire to run away when we see our school-aged friends and family approaching, holding that ever popular brochure. If given the chance most Club and Activity Sponsors would admit that hosting those fundraisers are no picnic.

The RATC chapter of SkillsUSA supports a membership of close to one hundred students. More than 40 of those students will be competitors on the regional and state level as well as numerous Leadership and Professional activities. Identifying fundraisers that are not already being done can be difficult. When a Country Meats flyer made its way to the school, the interest was piqued, since it was an item that was not being done. It was worth a try.

Country meats are only available to non-profit organizations to sell as a fundraiser and they are from a well-established company. Students were given the opportunity to sell snack sticks as a means to fund their expenses for activities, contest registrations and hotel expenses. Sales were so good last year that we had a number of students who completely paid their way to not only the regional contest but also the state contest. There was even one student who used her funds to pay membership, activity and even competition costs for many students who could not afford it.

So how did these students sell so many snack sticks? First they are tasty so they are easy to sell, second parents got involved and took them to their workplace and third the sales from our booth at the Tobacco and Heritage Festival gave us a powerful boost. Business and community supporters that would like to help out can contact the school for information about how they can set up a display of this great tasting product in their location that we would be glad to service on a regular basis. Also look for us at the festival again this year to stock up.