Tag Day
What is Tag Day?
Tag Day is the biggest annual fundraiser for the West Potomac Performing Arts Department.
How does it work?
Our students form small teams and go door-to-door in the community, distributing “tags” that list this year’s band, chorus, theatre, orchestra and guitar events. The kids invite the residents to come see them in action – and to support them through donations that will pay for instruments, uniforms, costumes, transportation, etc.
How much do we make?
Our enthusiastic teams play, sing, act and charm their way to big donations. Last year they must have convinced the community that the future is in great hands, because they raised more than $30,000!
When is Tag Day?
Saturday, September 10, 2022, beginning at 9am. Teams can show up anytime between 9am and noon for their 3-hour shift. (If you’re planning on doing two shifts, you need to arrive at 9 AM, do one shift, come back for pizza, then go out for the afternoon shift.)
How many kids are on each team?
Four to five.
Who drives?
Each team is driven and accompanied by a parent/adult guardian. (Typically that is a parent of a team member, but we have extra volunteers on tap.)
How do the teams get formed?
The kids often set them up themselves. Students who don’t have a team by Tag Day can just go straight to the guitar room on Saturday morning, where we’ll assemble some teams on the spot. It’s a great bonding experience!
Can a team mix kids from different fine arts groups?
Absolutely! Band kids can team up with guitar kids, etc.
What do the kids wear?
They wear matching West Potomac t-shirts.
Do they bring instruments?
Musicians should definitely bring instruments if they can! Teams that play instruments – either while walking up and down the street or right at the door – have earned significantly more money!!!
But theatre or chorus students don’t play instruments…
Sing! Act! Last year the drama folks created an entire performance to do at each door. Anything the teams do to showcase their talent and charisma will work wonders.
How does the team know where to go?
We’ve divided the community into 60+ neighborhoods. When teams register in the morning they’ll get to examine the giant map and pick one neighborhood. We’ll then give them the packet for that neighborhood, which includes a map plus last year’s total.
What’s the goal?
We’d like each team to beat the total amount of money raised in their neighborhood last year.
How long is the commitment on Tag Day?
We expect teams to stay out working the neighborhood for three hours.
Teams can check in at Springbank any time between 8:30am and 11:30am. Experience tells us the morning is the best time to catch people at home.
Are there ways for volunteers to help other than driving?
Why, yes, thanks for asking! Check the sign-up page here.
Is Tag Day fun?
Absolutely! It’s a morning spent bonding with friends, all in the name of a good cause. (Plus, there’s pizza at the end!)