SCHS ‘does not get any of the money’ from out of state companies soliciting funds from businesses

Published 11:10 am Friday, May 9, 2014

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By GINNY COOPER/Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA—Out of state companies are soliciting funds for Shelby County High School, but the school “does not get any of the money,” principal Gene Rogers said.

The companies, most recently companies with telephone numbers from Georgia and Texas, call local businesses with an offer to provide an item with the business name on it such as an athletic ball, and ask the company to pay for the right to advertise.

“They don’t have permission from the school to do this,” Rogers said. “We’re trying our best to get local businesses to understand, they’re (the out of state companies) reaping all of the benefits. Shelby County High School doesn’t get any of that money.”

Rogers said the fraudulent solicitations especially hurt schools in a small community, where there are only a few companies to donate money to the school.

“We don’t want folks to not network with local people,” Roger said, and emphasized that donating to local booster clubs is very important for the school.

“We don’t want to shut that process down,” Rogers said.

If there is any question about the legitimacy of a call, Rogers urged business owners to call the school office at (205) 682-6600 for more information.