Greetings!

Fundred's Sous Terre Armored Truck Send-Off!

Fundred Dollar Bill's Mardi Gras World RC2B=NOLA Benefit Party marked the initial launch of Fundred's special Sous Terre Armored Truck.

At sunset on Friday, November 6th, the Sous Terre Armored Truck, escorted by Fundred Guards, departed from New Orleans' Canal Street Ferry to cross the Mississippi River. The truck was headed to a very special engagement where it was to be the guest of honor! 

   
The group converges to cross ferry, photo Fundred          
Guards with Truck and Second Line, photo by Pamela L. Reed (www.pamelareedphotography.com)          


The Algiers Brass Band and the fabulous Mardi Gras Indians lead a Second Line through the streets to Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World in the Westbank....

  
Algiers Brass Band, photo by Pamela L. Reed (www.pamelareedphotography.com)          
Truck enters Mardi Gras world, photo Fundred        
...where the party had already started in the surreal environs of Mardi Gras World, the home of Mardi Gras carnival floats and sculptures -- past, present and future.  Surrounded by an extraordinary and dreamlike array of pharos, kings, cartoons, ballerinas, huge dinosaurs, dragons and characters of fame and infamy alike, supporters ate and danced to a fun and eclectic lineup of shows and musicians throughout the night.  The party raised funds for the armored truck's journey and guests drew Fundred Dollar Bills to add to the armored truck's creative cargo!

check out this video of the Fundred Guards + Mardi Gras Indians:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erf15tabRYU

  
The Performers of "Brother Tadpole" get ready for their set, and, of course, make Fundreds!           
Dancing at Mardi Gras World, photo Fundred            

Fundred Run sweeps New Orleans, LA > Morgan City, LA > Monroe, LA

The send-off party marked the official start of the Fundred Run with the armored truck making appearances at 13 schools throughout the city for the initial pilot pick-ups!   See the schedule below:


November 5, 2009
Benjamin Franklin Elementary, New Orleans, LA

November 10, 2009
McDonough 32, New Orleans, LA

November 11, 2009
Lusher Charter Academy Lower School, New Orleans, LA
Ursuline Academy, New Orleans, LA
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Lusher Charter Upper School, New Orleans, LA
Audubon Charter, New Orleans, LA
Langston Hughes Charter Academy, New Orleans, LA
ARISE Academy + Charles Drew Elementary, New Orleans, LA

November 12, 2009
Holy Cross Elementary, Morgan City, LA
Shannon Elementary, Morgan City, LA
Morgan City High School, Morgan City, LA

November 13, 2009
Masur Museum, Monroe, LA

  
The Fundred Run pick-ups, McDonough 42 and Audubon Charter Academy, New Orleans, LA           


New Orleans, LA -- Thursday, November 5th marked the first official pick-up event at Benjamin Franklin Elementary Mathematics and Science School in New Orleans.  Fundred-making started the afternoon, followed by an inspirational introduction by Principal Charlotte Mathew, words of appreciation by Mel Chin, and a rousing round of songs and chants by the Mardi Gras Indian Show.  The fabulous Indians, dressed in colorful ostrich plumes, feathers, sequins, rhinestones, ribbons, and beads, even created a special "no lead" song to stir the huge energy from the student body.  On cue, students carried their Fundreds outside, handing over their contribution of creativity to Fundred Guards who safely stashed the creative cash in the armored truck and drove away for the next engagement.  

Over the next 3 days pick-ups took place at 8 more schools in New Orleans that organized school-wide participation in Fundred!  


Morgan City, LA -- The truck hit the road before sunrise on November 12th for the first official pick-ups outside New Orleans, driven by Fundred's Amanda Wiles and special guest New Orleans/North Carolina artist Daniel Kelly.  As the truck rolled up to Holy Cross Elementary, the junior high students waved handmade posters welcoming the Fundred krewe.  The entire school waited outside to be a part of the presentation and pick-up!  Holy Cross' 4th grade students performed a patriotic song and teachers ceremonially handed over the hand-drawn cash!

Next stop was Shannon Elementary where the guards posed for photos with each individual grade of the student body from pre-K - 4th for some sweet pics!

Finally, the truck stopped at Morgan City High School, the official collection center, where they were greeted by students, teachers, administrators, and Morgan City Mayor, Tim Matte.  The students had lots of questions, and the Fundred crew was happy to talk about the project and the features on the armored truck!


Monroe, LA -- The culmination of the Fundred Run was a special event orchestrated by the Masur Museum in Monroe, LA.  Students came from as far as an hour away to be part of the event.  As students arrived, "money" themed songs kept the energy up until the truck arrived.  Monroe Mayor Mayo came out for the event as did Ben Franklin himself!!! 

A great slide show by the News-Star is available for viewing here.


  
Monroe volunteer Guards create a unique archway for the students, photo Michael Dunlap     
Ben Franklin endorsed the Fundred project, photo Michael Dunlap     


We thank each and every artist who contributed their energy and creativity to greet the truck, created Fundreds, and donated their artwork to the project to make a difference!  

And also, we thank Jan, Marian, and all the New Orleans teachers who organized the Fundred Run in NOLA, Erin Shirley and Zora Bergeron in Morgan City, and Emily Jahn in Monroe for helping to organize the successful pick-ups on this pilot run!  



See more photos and quotes on Facebook.

Photo sets coming soon to fundred.org.

The Sous Terre truck is currently safe and sound in New Orleans awaiting January, 2010, when it will depart on its nationwide journey and daily stops. 
Upcoming...

There are still a few days left to request that your school become an official collection center.  Deadline for requests is November 25th. 

The official nationwide pick-up schedule will be announced on December 15th.  

There is no time like now to make your Fundred and spread the word!  



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