By Jason Klaiber

Staff Writer

A mattress fundraiser held on Sunday, Oct. 6 benefited the East Syracuse-Minoa Central High School marching band.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. employees from Custom Fundraising Solutions’ Syracuse location helped turn the gymnasium of the high school at 6400 Fremont Road into a showroom for mattresses of 27 different styles.

The mattress sale raised money for the marching band and the operating expenses of its booster program, which takes in funds not provided by the school district.

The booster club will be receiving a specific dollar amount per mattress sold.

The supplemental funds garnered through the Oct. 6 fundraiser will minimize costs of the band’s equipment and trips. 

The fundraiser also took in referrals. Beforehand, the marching band members handed out flyers with their names on them around the district and beyond.

If a customer walked in with a band member’s flyer and purchased a mattress, a portion of the money received would be transferred to that student’s account.  

“We didn’t have a specific monetary goal because we’ve never done this before, but we saw it as a really good opportunity to make a decent amount of money in one day,” Matt Acenowr, the director of the marching band, said. “We just want to thank the community for constantly supporting music and the marching arts at ESM.”

Todd Freeman, the owner of the local Custom Fundraising Solutions, said the mattresses sold by his company come with a 30 to 50 percent discount off what someone would typically pay at a furniture store.  

According to Freeman, the organization cuts down prices since it does not have to pay for the building upkeep or utility bills associated with a retail location.

The company also requires employees for service only on the Saturdays and Sundays on which it holds fundraisers.

“I’m able to offer the same quality beds as someone else would be for a much lower price,” Freeman said. “Not only does the band get a large chunk of money for each bed that’s sold, but the community is saving hundreds of dollars on beds and frames.”

The costs for mattresses at the East Syracuse-Minoa fundraiser ran from the $199 toddler bed to a $4,400 king bed.

Tagged with such brand names as Simmons Bedding and Therapedic, the mattresses included full factory warranties with custom options available for delivery two to three weeks after the fundraiser.

Adjustable power bases, premium pillows, bed frames and mattress protectors could also be obtained at the fundraiser.

According to its website customfundraisingsolutions.com, the national company established in 2005 has given back over $40 million to communities across the country.

The ESM marching band, comprised of 75 members ranging from seventh grade to senior year, competes throughout September and October.  

The band works to memorize music as well as flag, saber and rifle motions and movement coordinates on football fields.

ESM’s marching band will compete in the New York State Field Band Conference Championship at the Carrier Dome on Oct. 27.

Jason Klaiber