Have questions about Raise Right?
We have answers!
Raise Right Table Hours:
The Raise Right table is open ALL YEAR LONG! We are located in the main entrance of Rockford High School.
As of February 2024, the Raise Right table will be open from 5:30–6:15pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month.
Q: What is Raise Right?
A: Raise Right (formerly called Scrip) is a nationwide fundraising device used by non-profit groups. Gift card fundraising is the most convenient way to raise money—simply by doing everyday things. This year-round fundraiser is so simple…you don’t sell a thing, just shop where you normally do & earn money to pay for your band expenses at the same time. Making your shopping dollars work for you is a snap!
Q: How does Raise Right work?
A: Rockford Bands purchases gift cards from popular stores and restaurants at a discount, and then sells them for the full amount of the gift card.
As a customer, you would purchase a gift card for the full amount and redeem that gift card for the full amount. There is absolutely no downside to purchasing a gift card through Rockford Bands versus another venue. The upside is that the difference raises money for Rockford Bands and your student’s individual band account.
Raise Right comes in the form of gift cards that can be used for everyday shopping (i.e. iTunes, groceries, gas, etc.), or as gifts for family and friends.
Q: How do I get started?
A: You will download the Raise Right app (links below).
Download on the App Store ||| Get it on Google Play
Enter our Rockford Bands enrollment code (which can be obtained by emailing the Raise Right team here). By associating this code with your student’s account, the system will correlate your shopping activity with our band. The profit earned on your order is split 70/30 between your student’s account and the general band fund. Your student can use that money towards band fees for trips, camps, and other activities, and the money earned is available to use throughout their band career with the Rockford Band program.
Q: How do I order and pay?
A: You can purchase physical gift cards at the Raise Right table the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:15pm.
We accept cash and check at the Raise Right table. If you are ordering on the app you can link your bank account, or a credit card, to purchase cards direct from the app.
As of February 1, 2024, the fee for using a credit card to make purchases will be 3% per transaction. This is an increase from the previous amount of 2.6%. The debit card fee will remain the same at 1%, as will the $0.29 fee to use your linked bank account.
Checks should be made out to Rockford Band Parents.
You can order ecards and reload physical cards, direct from the Raise Right app at any time and redeem them right from your phone! As soon as the purchase is made the ecard will appear in My Wallet on the app and is ready to be used.
Q: Can my friends or family participate to help earn money for my student?
A: Friends and family would set up their own account through the Raise Right app. We have many friends, grandparents, and other family members who frequently stop at the Raise Right table to purchase gift cards.
Q: The percentages on some of these are small. Is it really worth it?
A: Meijer offers a 3% rebate. If you spend $200 a week at Meijer you earn $4.80 each week in Raise Right funds which adds up to $249.60 in a year….just from buying groceries and gas!
Q: What happens when my child graduates?
A: We are thrilled to see so many senior parents continue to participate in Raise Right. At the end of the year, they will not only be able to apply the balance to their remaining bill, but have the chance to donate their proceeds to another family member, toward end of the year gifts, or use the money to purchase something for the band. Some of our families transition to an alumni account, where their shopping will continue to benefit our program.
Q: Do you stock any Raise Right cards that do not need to be pre-ordered?
A: You can either order ahead online or purchase what we stock as extra Raise Right to go order form. It is best to order ahead so that your order is waiting for you on Tuesday pick up nights. We do stock on-hand inventory for last minute orders which are first come, first served.
Please direct any questions to RaiseRight@RockfordBands.org.
