Chest still needs almost $17,000

Only three weeks remain before the end of the annual Albany Chest campaign and the amount raised as of Monday, Dec. 3 was $25,107, according to treasurer Paige Adair, leaving the drive still $16,893 short of the $42,000 goal set by the directors for the 2018 campaign. 

Chest amounts rose quickly at the start of the campaign, but less than $4,000 has been added over the last three weeks. 

Twenty-six different organizations, including two new applicants, submitted requests for this year’s funding.

This week a brief look will be taken at two of the organizations seeking funding, including one of the two new applicants, in order to give prospective donors an idea of their activities.

Bass Association

This year a couple of Albany High students started a bass fishing team to compete in the Texas High School Bass Association, and the new organization is asking for $300 to help pay for tournament entry fees.

“Students compete as a team,” said sponsor Candy Balliew. “So far we only have one two-member team, but we are hoping that more high school students will want to join.”

The money requested by the non-profit would cover 50 percent of the entry fees. 

Project Graduation

Albany High School Project Graduation is a non-profit, parent run organization that has been active for over 25 years.

“Started many years ago by the Albany Drug Task Force, this alcohol and drug-free graduation party has become a wonderful way to conclude a student’s experience at AHS,” said representative Tisha Wilkins.

Fundraising activities and request for funds from past supporters help pay for the event.

Project Graduation has requested $1,000 from the Chest to help with the estimated expenses.

Contributions to the Chest can be given to Paige Adair at First National Bank or Keri Hebel at First Financial Bank, or they can be mailed to Albany Chest, PO Box 2019, Albany TX 76430.